Russell “Russ” Burress

Russell “Russ” Burress 85, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday March 17, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave South, Clear Lake, with Rev. Josh Link officiating.

A scriptural wake service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, followed by visitation from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Inurnment will take place at St. James Catholic Cemetery, Forest City, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice in Russ’s memory.

Russell Burress was born on August 22, 1939, to Orville and Reba (Truelove) Burress. He graduated from Crystal Lake High School before continuing his education at Airline School. Russ worked at the Mason City Airport.

On June 25, 1963, Russ married Carol Kirschbaum at St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, and together they built a life filled with love and family, raising two children.

For 37 years, Russ dedicated himself to farming before retiring to Ventura, where he and Carol have enjoyed the past 23 years. Together they enjoyed 12 years wintering in Arizona. In his free time, he found joy in motorcycle riding, boating, and sharing coffee with friends. He had a special fondness for Culver’s and never passed up the chance for a good meal and conversation. His greatest love was spending time with family.

Russ was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and, alongside Carol, enjoyed being part of the Convertible Club, sharing a love for the open road and the company of good friends. Russ served in the United States Army Reserves for six years.

Russ is survived by his wife, Carol Burress, of Ventura; children, Linda (Jim) Ward of Roland, Rick (Betty) Burress, of Forest City; grandchildren, Amber Young, Alexander Young, Jonathan Burress, Jamie (Mike) Ferch, Brian (Desi) Thompson; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Schwickerath, Mikayla, Lochlyn & Nora Ferch, Alana, Brock, Beau, Vivian & Collins Thompson; brother, Forrest (JoAnne) Burress, brothers & sisters-in-law, Ruth (Charles) Schreck, Cathy (Paul) Yoch, Susan Kirschbaum, Richard Lemke, Irene Burress and Jim Prideg; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Russ is preceded in death by parents, sisters, Evelyn Lemke, Dorthea Devine, brothers, Roy and Ron Burress and sister-in-law, Judy Prideg.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for all their loving care they provided to Russ.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.