Services for Henry Russell Gilthvedt

 

Henry Russell Gilthvedt was born on June 1, 1916 in Northwood Township, Beltrami County, Minnesota. His parents were Erling Gilthvedt and Bengta (Modin) Gilthvedt. His siblings were Daphney, Earl, Vernon, and a younger sister, Eunice. The family homestead along the South Fork of Moose River became the site also for Northwood School, as Erling donated an acre of land for the school that was built less than a quarter mile from the farmhouse.

Russell was baptized into the Christian Faith and confirmed in the Lutheran tradition at Northwood Lutheran Church. He remained a member of Northwood, and after consolidation, Grace Lutheran of Grygla, all his life. He valued life–long friendships within the community and the congregation. He was generous in support of the church's mission, in helping his neighbors, and in blessing the extended family that he appreciated throughout life.

Russell valued life on the farm. He spoke often of the rigors of chores and do–it–yourself repairs, and of clearing,  planting, and harvesting the land. The work contributed to the strength that would sustain him for ninety–nine years. He remained on the farm until his mid–twenties, when he began working with his brother, Earl, as an electrician. Their crew followed the REA, as farms received electrical service, and homes and barns needed wiring.

For Russell this work was interrupted by World War Two, and he entered the Army in January, 1942. He would be attached to the Signal Corps, and after training at Fort Snelling he was sent to Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. While there he learned the International Morse Code, advanced electrical work, and communications operations. After temporary station in Everett, Washington, he shipped out for service in Algeria, Italy, and North Africa. His military service extended to three years and four months. With the end of the war Russell returned to the farm and worked together with his brother, Vernon, and their father. Russell returned to electrical work in 1961. He was employed under the auspices of the Electrical Union throughout many parts of Minnesota, until settling in the Twin Cities and working as an electrician until his retirement.

The last decades of Russell's life were in Thief River Falls. He lived with his brother, Vernon, in an apartment on Greenwood Avenue. After Vernon's death and Russell's own health challenges he lived in Valley Home until a severe heart attack in July of 2015. The journey from the emergency room and hospital, to the Care Center, to his final breath was relatively short for a life of ninety–nine years. He died on August 6, in restful peace and with good care. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings. He is survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home in Thief River Falls on Tuesday, August 11, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and concluding with a prayer service at 7:00. The funeral service for Russell will be  at Grace Lutheran Church, Grygla, on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:30 a.m., preceded by an hour of visitation beginning at 9:30. Interment will be at Northwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church of Grygla.

Russell's life was faithful. His memory is blessed. His country honors him. His God has waited to receive him.

Richards Publishing

P.O. Box 159
239 2nd Ave
Gonvick, MN 56644
Telephone: (218) 487-5225
email: richards@gvtel.com

 

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