Russell L. Emerson, age 87 of Apple Valley, Minn., died on Aug. 10, 2006 at the United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

Russell was born in St. Paul, Minn. on Jan. 22, 1919. He spent his youth in the Midway area of St. Paul. As a young man he enlisted in the Army and spent five years fighting in WWII for the Signal Corps, he was released at its conclusion as a staff sergeant.

After the war he returned to Minnesota where he met the love of his live Bertie Hendrickson. They were married in 1949 and moved to California. They bought a home in San Bernadino, Calif., where Russell became a chemist for Dupont Paints, while Bertie maintained the home.

Russell began his hobby of Reel to Reel recording basing all his enthusiasm for old radio shows. He loved Laurel and Hardy; one could hear that raucous belly laugh of his and trail the scent of a cigar to locate him almost anywhere.

After retirement he and Bertie moved back to Minnesota to be with family in their twilight years of life. Bertieís health began to fail. He remained vigilant and devoted, doting on her to the last moments of her life. In her blindness he would provide ìplay by playsî for the Twins games.

Faced with Bertieís death and a need for continuing life without her, Russell moved to a senior apartment complex in the Apply Valley Villa. Dining with fellow residents, proving his charm in engaging and winning the affection of all those whose lives he touched.

During his final times, was his adamant feelings expression about purchasing or even discussing anything in the long term. He wanted everyone to think about ì10 days ahead.î Showing he had a great grasp of his own destiny or the finality of his life.

He leaves behind a sister, Maxine Jensen, brother, George (Butch) Emerson; nieces and nephews who will miss his spirit and warmth greatly, but rejoice in the knowledge that he will, once again, rejoin the woman who brought and kept a smile on his face and that twinkle in his eye, Bertie.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 12, at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch, Minn. with Rev. Loren Mellum officiating, Interment was in the Sprint Lake Lutheran Cemetery.

Arrangements by Grandstrand Funeral Home.

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