Russell Kaplan

Russell Kaplan, 94, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Hansen Family Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls.

Russell was born on August 22, 1931, at home north of Alden, Iowa, to Rudolph and Stella (Bailey) Kaplan. Russell was born deaf, as were both of his parents. Russell graduated from Iowa Falls High School and went on to spend his life farming, a career he loved and remained devoted to until his retirement. After retiring, he continued to keep busy, mowing lawns for the Steve Stockdale family.

On August 8, 1959, Russell was united in marriage to Arlene Schurr at the Methodist Church in Fort Dodge. Together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, always side by side. They especially enjoyed traveling and spent 38 winters together in Arizona. They also visited all 100 Freedom Rocks in Iowa and 2 in Minnesota.

Russell had many hobbies and interests throughout his life. He enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball and horseshoes, carving wood, and taking leisurely drives through the countryside with Arlene. Above all, he cherished the time they spent together, as nearly everything he did was alongside his beloved wife.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene of Iowa Falls; niece, Linda Valentine of Waterloo; nephews, Robert (Sheryl) Pommrehn of Waterloo and William (Angela) Pommrehn of Leander, Texas; brother-in-law, Jasper (Norma) Schurr of Spencer; sister-in-law, Elaine Irlbeck of Council Bluffs; aunt, Florence Kolosick of Cedar Rapids; along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; sister Norma Kaplan Pommrehn, nephew, Melvin Valentine; brothers-in-law, Ben (Joann) Schurr and Don Irlbeck.