Russ Ruhland

Hawarden, IA: Russell William Ruhland, 71, of Hawarden, Iowa, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 16, 2026. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 22, at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS in Hawarden with Rev. Dr. Joshua Lowe officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery of Hawarden. Lunch will be provided after the burial at The Old City Hall in Hawarden. Visitation with the family present will be held Friday, August 21, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM.

   Russell William Ruhland, the oldest of six children born to Larry and Mary (Bohlke) Ruhland, was born June 25, 1955, in Sioux City, Iowa. Russ grew up in the Hawarden, Iowa area and graduated from West Sioux High School in 1973. While going to school he also worked at Coilcraft. After high school, Russ joined the United States Air Force and proudly served from 1973 until he was honorably discharged in 1975. After his military discharge, Russ returned to Hawarden and enrolled at Sioux Empire College.

   In 1978 Russ began working at L.G. Everist. He started as a welder repairing railroad cars and though his positions changed over the years, his work ethic never did and in 1995 Russ became the Hawarden plant manager. A position he held until retiring in 2019 after spending 41 years with L.G. Everist. Through this career he made many friendships and worked with many great customers.

   1978 not only brought a new career, but also a wife. Russ married Lori Anderson and to this union the couple was blessed with their daughter, Tara. The couple later divorced and in 1991 Russ married Barb (Bultman) Anacker. Barb brought three more children into Russ’ life, and although their relationship did not last, he continued to keep Jenn, Sarah and Dan close to his heart, and stayed in touch with them for years to come. Russ also spent many years with Kim (Schneider) Blinde and always enjoyed spending time with her, her children, Lauren, Katie and Dylan, as well as the rest of the Schneider family, especially for Saturday morning coffee.

   Russ was known by everyone to have a heart of gold, a generous spirit, and a good story. He was an avid bowler, golfer, pool player, and was a master at crossword puzzles. Through all these activities, he made many lifelong friendships. Russ also had a passion for farming, enjoyed NASCAR, football (Raiders), baseball (Twins), and any sports or activities his grandchildren participated in. He holds the title of “best Papa ever” with pride. There was nothing that Russ wouldn’t do for his friends and family. He was truly one of a kind.

   Russ is survived by his daughter, Tara (Mario) Ramos of Hawarden; mother, Mary Ruhland of Hawarden; three grandchildren, Maddux, Lucia, and Everly; five siblings, Mic (Kay) Ruhland of Ireton, Jerry (Wendi) Ruhland of Hawarden, Patti (Bruce) Ericson of Akron, Denise (Kelly) Beitelspacher of Akron, and Joey (Warren) Vander Feen of Hawarden; stepchildren, Jennifer (Rob) Anacker of Bosie, Idaho, Sarah (Redgie) Blanco of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Dan Anacker of Boise; along with many nieces and nephews.

   Russ was preceded in death by his father, Larry Ruhland; ex-wives, Lori and Barb; and brother-in-law, Joe Loutsch.