Russell Leidigh
Russell Leidigh
Avondale, Ariz.
Russell C. Leidigh, 80, of Avondale, Ariz., passed away March 1, 2023, due to congestive heart failure. A private service for family and close friends will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home Friday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
This will be followed by a Celebration of Life from 3 to 5 p.m. for all family and friends to attend at Kingston’s Steakhouse and Event Venue, 568 Boyson Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Russ was born Oct. 5, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was the fourth child of Virgil and Emma Leidigh. Russ married Judy Happel at The Little Brown Church on Feb. 22, 1960. They were married for 63 years.
Russ will be reunited with Judy and his deceased daughter, Laurie and son, John. He will be laid to rest next to Judy, Judy’s mother Naomi and father Raymond; her brother Bill; sister Nancy and Nancy’s husband Jack Kaufman.
Survivors include his children, Tim and Tom Leidigh; plus 10 grandchildren, Ashley, Nathan, Morgann, Zachary, Nicholas, Alissa, Janessa, Jake, John and Anthony. Russ also had eight great-grandchildren and many loving friends in Cedar Rapids and Arizona.
Russ worked for his father-in-law Raymond Happel at Happel & Sons as a salesman in the 1960s. He then became a successful farm implement dealer at International Harvester and finished his career with Case IH. He loved selling farm equipment and working daily to help farmers.
Memories include his white shorts worn daily, love for the Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers, attending the Iowa State Fair, passion for auto racing and his devotion to his family and friends. Russ loved to golf and go to his favorite “watering holes.” Russ also played softball and developed lifelong friendships. He touched many people with his generosity and willingness to listen and help. Russ was loved by all that knew him and will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oldorf Hospice House, www.mercycare.org/giving in memory of Russell C. Leidigh.
May God bless Russ.
Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.