Russell Owen McMillan

Russell Owen McMillan

1924 - 2023

Russell Owen McMillan was born September 23, 1924, in Harper, Iowa, the son of James

Edmond and Cora Kate (Fixmer) McMillan.

Russ was raised in the Harper and Sigourney, Iowa, areas. As a young man, he worked on his

family’s farm and in construction. In 1943, during WWII, Russ entered the United States Army and

served in the Rhineland and Central European theaters. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Following

the historic Texas City, Texas explosion in 1947, Russ moved to Texas City to work on the demolition and

reconstruction projects. When he returned to Iowa, he continued construction work and owned a

sawmill with his brother Ben for a brief time. On September 14, 1962, Russ was united in marriage to

Patricia Ann Moore in Sigourney, Iowa. The couple lived in the Sigourney area until moving to Cedar

Rapids, Iowa. Russ was part of crews that constructed, enlarged, and improved several buildings on the

University of Iowa campus, including the Children’s Hospital and the Dental Science building. On July 1,

1973, Russ and Pat moved to Knoxville, Iowa, where Russ was one of the first to join the crew that built

Knoxville’s 3M plant. He later moved on to bridge-building with Herberger Construction, raising bridges

all over the state until he retired in 1986.

In his spare time, Russ enjoyed being outside, whether he was hunting, fishing, cutting wood, or

tending to his large vegetable garden. He took extraordinary pride in growing tomatoes and sharing his

wisdom and skill with his children, even teaching them the finer points of preserving as he enjoyed

canning the fruits of his labor every year. He was quick to help when a family member needed it and

could often be found plowing neighborhood driveways and lanes. He also liked to play card games. One

of Russ’ greatest joys was his grandchildren, who joined him in everything from fishing to fixing things.

He especially liked “letting” them crank homemade ice cream.

Russ passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, at the Pella Regional Health Center at the age of 98

years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Kate, and siblings: Albert in infancy, Ben,

Kenneth, Lydia Heath, and Charlie.

Those left to honor Russ’ memory include his wife, Pat; daughters: Lori (Mark) Raymie and Cindy

(Gary) Rasmussen; seven grandchildren: Stephanie (Jeremy) Sabin, Emily (Mike) Dabb, Nathan

(Alexandra) Raymie, Ellen (Kyle) Barnes, Tyler (Kayla) Raymie, Owen (Haley) Rasmussen and Travis (Kali)

Rasmussen; nine great grandchildren and one more on the way; and many nieces, nephews, extended

family members, friends, and faithful canine companion, Fritz II.

A funeral service for Russ McMillan, age 98 of Knoxville, was held Friday, April 21 at

1 p.m. at Bybee and Davis Funeral Home. The family received friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday evening. Burial was with military honors at  Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made

to the Knoxville Public Library or to the Marion County Humane Society. Online condolences may be left

at www.BertrandFuneralHomes.com.

Musical Selections

Tyler Raymie & Kyle Barnes

“I Saw the Light” – congregational

“Mansion Over the Hilltop”

“Peace In the Valley” – congregational

“Rock of Ages”

Casket Bearers: Nathan Raymie,  Tyler Raymie, Owen Rasmussen, Travis Rasmussen, Jeremy Sabin Mike Dabb, Kyle Barnes