64614_Russell_Guthart
CHARLES CITY | Russell Guthart, 87, of Charles City, died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
Funeral services for Russell Guthart will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Messiah Lutheran Church. Pastor Jane Keel will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Charles City. Military honors will be conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.
Friends may call at Messiah Lutheran Church from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and an hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Russell Clarence Guthart was born March 5, 1926, at his parents’ home in Charles City, the son of Clarence and Tomena (Hereid) Guthart. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. He graduated in 1943 from Charles City High School. Russell attended the University of Iowa for a year before entering into the United States Navy. While in the Navy he served aboard the destroyer USS Gleazes during World War II. After his discharge, he returned to the University of Iowa graduating with a Commerce Degree. On May 10, 1953, he was united in marriage to Nola “Dody” Dawson. To this union four daughters were born. Russ was employed with the United States Post Office for 33 years, retiring as the postmaster. Russ was a charter member of Messiah Lutheran Church and served on the church council, worship committee, and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the American Legion for 66 years and the Charles City Ceremonial Unit for 56 years. Russ enjoyed hunting, fishing, tennis, swimming and exercising. Other interests included playing cards, golfing, going to the YMCA, shopping, traveling, walking and flower gardening. Family was always important to Russ and he especially looked forward to the holiday family gatherings.
Living family members include his wife, Dody Guthart of Charles City; four daughters, Deb (Don) McInroy of Floyd, Becky (Mike) Thome of Charles City, Pat Hamrick of New Hope, Minn., and Tammy (Brad) VanHorn of Eagan, Minn.; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Avis Stubenvoll.
A special thank you to Amanda and Rhonda.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church or the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association at Iowa Chapter of APDA, Box 507, Waukee, IA 50263.
The Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.