Russell Eugene Lienau

ROCHESTER, MN:Russell E. Lienau, 78, died Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Fairview Care Center, Dodge Center, MN. Russell Eugene Lienau was born August 6, 1935 to Clair and Mabel (Siewert) Lienau in Kalmar Township, Olmsted County, MN. His family moved to Kasson, and he graduated from Kasson High School in 1953. After graduation, Russell served in the army for one year and was honorably discharged. He started at I.B.M in September 1955 and went to school in Endicott, NY for one year. He returned to Rochester and worked for I.B.M. until his retirement on July 1, 1987. On July 24, 1957, he married Betty Lou Funk in Lake City, MN. During their 56 years of marriage, they raised 3 children and made a their home in Kasson, Byron, Lake City and Rochester. Russell enjoyed hunting in Wyoming, playing cards, working on farms, traveling out west during the summer, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of the American Legion for 50 years. Russell served as honor guard for funerals and marched in parades for the Legion. He taught gun safety training in Byron for 20 years and also worked for the Byron Police Department. Russell was a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Betty L.Lienau, Rochester, MN, his three children, Lori (Michael) Miller, Byron, MN, Robert Lienau, Oronoco, MN, and Randy (Danielle) Lienau, Dodge Center, MN; five grandchildren, Tyler Johnson, Angela Johnson, Owen Miller, Cheyann Lienau, Hunter Lienau; and four great grandchildren, Jayden, Jordan, Jemma, and Brooklynn Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Gerald, and two sisters, Helen Schoenrock and Barbara Andrist. A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at Pax Christi Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Fogel officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 in Byron Cemetery, Byron, MN. Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul at Pax Christi Church.