On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Russell Van Waus entered his heavenly home at the age of 68.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. James Lutheran Church in Victor. Interment will be at Victor Memorial Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. James Lutheran Church.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at St. James Lutheran Church in Victor.

Memorial checks should be made payable to his wife, Paula Van Waus to benefit organizations designated by his family. Memorials may be mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Russell's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Russell was born August 28, 1956 in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Charles and Bernadine (De Smet) Van Waus. He was baptized on September 9, 1956 and confirmed on April 12, 1987 at St. James Lutheran Church. Russell attended St. John Catholic School and HLV Community Schools. He was united in marriage to his wife, Paula Hudson on June 3, 1978 at St. John Lutheran Church south of Victor.

Russell was a skilled carpenter, learning the trade from Henry Trumpold with Hinrichs Construction, working alongside with Reynold Brown. He started his own business Van Waus Construction in the early 1980's. Russell was a longtime trustee at St. James Lutheran Church.

He enjoyed going to his grandchildren's activities, rolle bolle, deer hunting, traveling, and gardening.

Russell is survived by his loving wife, Paula of 46 years; daughters, Emilie (Adam) Brecht and Miranda (Terry) Patten; grandchildren, Mia Brecht, Brayden Brecht, Jadyn Patten, and Jace Patten; siblings, Bill Van Waus, Dave (Carol) Van Waus, Joan (Dennis) Robinson, and Daniel Van Waus; brothers-in-law, Kerry (Jean) Hudson, Stacey Hudson, and Kenneth (Missy) Hudson; sisters-in-law, , Marla (Curt) Baird and Jolene Van Waus; nieces and nephews, Angie, Ben, Bobbi, Brett, Heath, Blake, Lauren, Trevor, Kyle, Corey, Andy, Haley, and Kelcie. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Van Waus; in-laws, Kenneth and Dorothy Hudson; sister-in-law, Crystal Van Waus; brother-in-law, Terry Baird; and great-niece, Susan Baird.