Obituaries : Russell J. Upah

Russell J. Upah, 85, of Belle Plaine, Iowa passed away Monday, July 31, 2023, at his home surrounded by loving family.

Russ was born May 1, 1938, on the family farm east of Vining, Iowa to Milvoy and Blanche (Zmolek) Upah. Russ attended rural Vining School, then went on to buy a truck and start his own corn shelling business.

Russ married Maxine Kacer on November 20, 1956, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama, Iowa. They moved to Belle Plaine, Iowa and were married for 66 years. Russ worked for Manatt's for 45 years, starting in 1959. He later went on to Wendling Quarries working there 13 years, for a total of 58 years with the Manatt family business. Russ was a hard worker who made the first heated concrete plant for Manatt's. He enjoyed serving his customers and working with many great people over the years.

He was a former member of the Vining Fire Department, Belle Plaine Jaycees, Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight, an active member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Catholic Workman #30, Eagles Club of Tama, Catholic Church Council, President of Indian Hills Subdivision in Tama, as well as volunteering for many other projects in the Belle Plaine and Tama areas. Russ loved helping others and enjoyed spending time with his many friends. He was a dedicated family man who loved being surrounded by his large family.

He is survived by his wife Maxine; children, Brenda (Alan) Molyneux, Denise (Bart) Hamlett, Corinne (Barry) McGrew, Jeff Upah, Brent (Cindy) Upah; along with sisters Eleanor Rhode, Margaret Caswell, Vicki (Duncan) Burford, Jean Posusta; brothers, Paul Upah, Loren (Diane) Upah; sister-in-law, Terry Upah; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Darrin; daughter-in-law, Deb Upah and brother, Dennis.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Mercy, Cedar Rapids for their exceptional care given to Russ.

Visitation is at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, 4-8 p.m. Friday, August 4, 2023.

Funeral service will be at St. Michael Catholic Church in Belle Plaine on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Burial following the service at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Vining. Luncheon will follow the burial at St. Michael Catholic Church.