Russell Roger Campbell

Russell “Russ” Roger Campbell, the man, the myth, the legend, age 73 of Shevlin, MN was reunited with the love of his life, Judy on December 7, 2019 at his home.  He was born on December 5, 1946 in Bigfork, MN, the son of Bernard and Mary (Kanz) Campbell. 

Russ grew up in the Bigfork area and graduated from Grand Rapids High School in June of 1964.  Following graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served his country for four years.  During his time in the service he was deployed to Vietnam with the Mobile Construction Battalion.  Once Russ was honorably discharged from the Navy, he made a career in construction.  It was during a construction job near Itasca State Park that he met his love, Judith Knutson.  The two were married March 11, 1983 and it was shortly after this that Russ took a job with FedEx.  This took the family to California for the next two and a half years.  Russ accepted a position back home in Bemidji that would make him the first FedEx driver in the region.  He continued with FedEx until his retirement in 2001.  Russ retired to travel and see the country with Judy.  Unfortunately, they were only able to travel for one winter before Judy’s passing in 2002.  To keep his mind busy, Russ took on various jobs which included working for Lobo's Bar and test-driving vehicles for Dodge Motor Company.  During his off time, you could catch Russ watching his favorite soaps and game shows.  Everyone knew not to talk to him during the Bold and the Beautiful and Family Feud.  He loved watching NASCAR, his Minnesota Vikings and the Twins and even got to go to a couple of games with his family.  Russ enjoyed hunting and fishing and of course taking his annual trips to Mexico, to whoop it up with his friends.  In the last few years, he took to enjoying the slower pace of life and spent most of his time at Lobo's visiting with his friends.  The corner of the bar will never be the same.  Russ, “Papa Russ”, will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

The family that Russ joins again are his bride, Judy; parents, Bernard and Mary, numerous brothers, sisters, other relatives and friends.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his daughters, Janalee Campbell-Anderson of Jordan, MN,  and Jenelle (Jarrod) Mankie of Walker, MN; sons, Scott Campbell of Florida and Dennis (Amy) Corneillie ofColorado; grandchildren, Cole, Savannah, Devon, Rachel, Brendon, Klohie, Ayla, Alex, Hannah, Cody and Seth; one great granddaughter, Khilana; other relatives and many friends.

A celebration of Russ’ life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18th, 2020 at Lobos Bar and Grill, 28453 MN Highway 200, Park Rapids.  Rev. Daniel Johnson will officiate.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Spencer~Ross American Legion Post #134 Honor Guard of Walker, MN.  Live music by CrossWater will begin at 4:00 p.m.  Inurnment will be held in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Itasca Township, MN in the spring where he and Judy will forever hold hands.

Arrangement have been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN, which is owned and operated by Russ’ daughter Jenelle, and her husband Jarrod Mankie.  On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.northernpeace.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell Roger Campbell, please visit our floral store.