Russell Lloyd Zundel

August 28th, 1931 -January 14, 2022

Russell Lloyd Zundel died on January 14, at the age of 90. His wife of over 70 years, Lonnie LaRae, had passed on 82 days before him.

Born in Ruff, Washington on August 28, 1931, Russ was surrounded by wheat fields, and that was the life and livelihood he embraced.

As a youth, he worked on his parents' farm between Harrington and Ritzville, and attended the Harrington school system for all 12 years - graduating in 1949. He was Student Body President in his senior year, participated on the basketball and tennis teams, served on the Annual staff, and played trumpet in the band. The Harrington

Superintendent of Schools wrote in his high school annual that he "had leadership qualities and would go a long way".

Other than his military service, Russ never ventured far from the farm life. Stationed at Fort Lewis, he shipped out to Korea from San Francisco, and served proudly as part of the 8th Army, in the Second Infantry Division at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. He returned home on May 15, 1954.

Settling back into their life in Harrington, Russ was with the Odessa Union Warehouse for 43 years, reaching the position of Site Manager for Mohler, Downs and Harrington. In 1975, he also took over the family farm, and enjoyed wheat farming for over 41 years. Through skill and a strong work ethic, for many years he simultaneously juggled the two careers. Neighbors would often see him doing field work in the evenings, after a long day at the elevators.

For over 26 years, Russ served as a Volunteer Firefighter with Lincoln County Fire Protection District #6.

A devoted husband to Lonnie, he was the beloved son of Rudolph and Louise (Oster) Zundel, treasured brother of Toni Dietrich, Geri Williams, and Fran Elam, and the admired father of Rick Zundel and Debby Zundel.

Russ was a talented, hard-working man who was always there for his friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed.