Russell Guyer

Russell Guyer

 

 

Russell (Russ) C. Guyer, 74 of West Union, IA, peacefully departed this life on March 8, 2021, at Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission, Texas. He was born December 29, 1946, to the late Jesse and Opal (Hull) Guyer. He was the youngest of five siblings. He married Carol Welzel and together they had five children: Cheryl, Jay, Linda, Jackie, and Stacy.   

He attended North High School as a freshman and sophomore and received his GED later in life. He received the Rite of Confirmation with St. Olaf Lutheran Church in 1961.

Russ was self-employed as a dairy and crop farmer on his family farm all his life. In 1990, he was inspired to broaden his resume by becoming one of the first Team Leaders at Signode when it opened in West Union, IA. In 2000, due to his innovative thinking and success with machine development, Russ was asked to join a team with the Engineering Product Development Group in Glenville, IL, until he retired in 2002. 

Not being able to sit still, he established the Russ Guyer Trucking Company and hauled grain for the next 18 years. Russ was also fortunate enough to have a career doing what he truly loved by performing music with the following bands: The Davidson Brothers, Night Hawks, Sounds of Nashville, New Buckaroos, and wrapping up his musical career with the Texas Jammers and the Russ Guyer Band. Russ was especially known for the gospel song Late for Church that he wrote, sang and recorded with The Davidsons Brothers. His gospel and country music will be dearly missed by his many followers. Russ was an active member of his church volunteering as a Sunday school teacher and music minister. He was a devoted supporter to the Fayette County Fair, Republican Party and the US Military.   

Russ was a kid at heart with his collection of Lionel trains, toy airplanes and drones. He was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeyes fan that was often seen sporting a Hawkeyes shirt and hat. He was happiest when he was digging in the dirt with his bulldozer, challenging someone at chess, playing a game of softball, eating ice cream, or playing his fiddle.

As a result of his generous spirit and cheerful personality, Russ was loved by many. His Christian life was as beautiful as his musical talent and his music and smiling personality will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him.  

His life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children: Cheryl (Dean) Schmitt; Linda (Darby) Jellings; Jackie (Charlie) O’Connell, and Stacy Oakland. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren—Justin Fonley, Brandon Schmitt, Amanda Schulte, Jackie Cooper, Rachel Schroeder, David Jellings, Linda O’Connell, Johnathan O’Connell, Julia O’Connell, Dylan Oakland, and Jaydan Oakland; five great grandchildren; sister, Alice Schaer; former wife, Carol Guyer; fury best friend, Jessie; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Russ was preceded in death by his son, Jay E. Guyer; his parents; brothers, Harold and Lester; sister, Lucia Bishop; and son-in-law, Brett Fonley.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Russ touched are invited to celebrate his life on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at St Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, IA. Visitation is at 1 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. Russ will be interned at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in West Union, IA. 

Those who wish to remember Russ in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Russ Guyer Memorial, 12935 270th Street, West Union, IA 52175.

Rate this article: 
Average: 2 (2 votes)
Comment Here