Russell D. Sadler

Russell D. Sadler

Grinnell

Russell D. Sadler, 89, of Grinnell, died on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, IA.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Smith Funeral Home, Grinnell. A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Smith Funeral Home, Grinnell. Burial will be at Hazelwood Cemetery, Grinnell. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Grinnell Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to the Russell Sadler Memorial Fund and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Russ was born on July 2, 1934, in Van Buren County, the son of John and Frankie Bennet Sadler. He was raised in Douds, IA and graduated from Douds-Leando High School with the class of 1954.

Russell was united in marriage to Sheila Thomas on February 12, 1971 at the Grinnell First Baptist Church. The couple lived in Grinnell. Russ operated the Shell Filling Station for many years, in 1974 he purchased Wayne Feeds, and in 1983 he started employment with Grinnell College Building and Grounds then later provided transportation services for Grinnell College students and staff.

Russ and Sheila enjoyed traveling together. Their many over the road adventures brought them to all 50 states. He enjoyed fishing and boating in Michigan and Missouri and loved motorcycle rides. He loved to socialize and became Seeland Park’s residential driver, providing transportation for his neighbors who didn’t have access to a vehicle. Russ was a hardworking, selfless and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Russ is survived by his children, Doug (Pam) Sadler of Sioux Falls, SD, Greg (Denise) Sadler of Grinnell, Debra Sadler of Grinnell; daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Sadler; one brother, Lawrence (Donna) Sadler; grandchildren, Kyle (Sam) Sadler, Kelly (Jarrod) Davis, Brett Sadler, Alison (Jacob) Myrtue, Jessalyn (Alex Maher) Sadler, Kali (Alex) Bare, and Matthew (Kamy) Sadler, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sheila, three sons, Steven, Jason, and Scott Sadler; and brother-in-law, Jerry Thomas.