Russell J. Yonak, age 86 of Buffalo, passed into his eternal home in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 13, 2018 at the St. Mary’s/Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN. He was born June 24, 1932 in Buffalo, MN to George and Margaret (Maas) Yonak. On February 23, 1952, Russell was united in holy marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” J. Alberg at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale, MN. Father Patrick Keany was the celebrant. Russ and Betty were blessed with four children.

He was self-employed since the early 1960s, owning Yonak Sewer and Water, and was very skilled in his trade. In his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and created handmade crafts for people. He was gifted with being artistic and creative. He was a founder of the Rockford Snowmobile Club. He and Betty helped landscape and build the rock garden for the Stork House in Rockford. They were also honored to be the Grand Marshall for Rockford River Days. He enjoyed his time spent with his grandchildren and outdoor family gatherings on the farm.

He is preceded in death by his wife Betty; parents, George and Margaret; brothers, George and Preston; half-brother, Gary; daughter-in-law, Nancy; and great-grandson, Alex.

Russ is survived by his children, Diane (Dick) Welzien, Dennis Yonak, Wendy (Scott) Olson, Jim (Gretchen) Yonak; grandchildren, Angela (Paul) Hooper, Suzanne Welzien, Heather (Kelly) Tody, Bryan (Alexis Duplessis) Yonak, Jennifer (Joe) Penney, Brianna (Mike) Elwood, Kristi Olson, Olyvia Yonak; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Shelby, Trey, Kai, Quinn, Liam, Sawyer, Eli, Anna, and Leo; half-brothers, Wayne, Rodney, and Kevin; and many other relatives and friends.

An open house celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 1:30 to 4:30 PM at Huikko’s Bowling & Entertainment Center, 1207 MN-25, Buffalo, MN.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. 763-682-1363. www.thepetersonchapel.com