Russell Lee Stump, son of Max and Jean (Donaldson) Stump, was born on January 4, 1936, in Tracy, Minnesota. He passed away, surrounded by family, at Spencer Hospital on April 5, 2024, at the age of 88.
At a young age,Russ moved with his family to Estherville, Iowa. In fourth grade he met his future wife, Beverly Beebe. He graduated from Estherville High School in 1955. Following high school,Russ began work in construction, and it became his life-long career. In January of 1957, he took a trip to Columbia, South Carolina, to visit the love of his life, Beverly, and brought her back to Estherville as his wife. Russ worked for K&S Lumber; building and remodeling many homes in the area. Russ even built their family home in 1964. He loved his work and continued to work until he was 80 years old.
Russ’ favorite pastime was fishing and enjoyed sharing his abundant catches with family and friends. He regularly took trips north in the fall to go fishing in Minnesota. They took annual trips to South Carolina to visit Bev’s parents and later their own children. Russ was known, by his family, for a great sense of direction and remembering the great fishing spots from Iowa to South Carolina! In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling and volleyball leagues, as well as cribbage games at the Legion. In his retirement, he continued to golf and joined the “Spit and Widdle” coffee group at Hardee’s. He was a proud papa to all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Russ is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beverly Stump of Estherville; their children, Mark Stump of Pelion, SC; Beth (Donald) Origer of Milford, IA; Todd (Shelly) Stump of West Columbia, SC;Amy (John) Brinkley of Irmo, SC; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-children; and a sister,Betty Jean (Don) Marchi of San Jose, CA.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Karen Hines.
