Donald James Russiff, age 55, passed away in his home surrounded by his wife, children, sister, and special friends after a battle with brain cancer in Harwood, North Dakota on February 18, 2018.
Don was born in Miles City, Montana on May 9, 1962, the son of Nicholas and Montana (Neumann) Russiff. He was raised on the Russiff Ranch and ranch country, Olive, Montana. He attended Cross S Country School and Kimball Country School. He then attended junior high and high school in Broadus, Montana, graduating in 1981. Don then attended Miles Community College and Billings Vo Tech. He began working at Deluxe Motors on June 17, 1987. He married the love of his life and soul mate, Tanya Schalesky, on August 31, 1996 in Bismarck, North Dakota. They continued to live in Miles City until March of 1998 when they then moved to Fargo, North Dakota, and later Harwood, where they made their home and shared lifelong friendships. He began working for the Cass County Highway Department in 1998 until the time of his passing.
Don was confirmed at the Broadus Lutheran Church and attended the Lutheran Church in Miles City. Throughout his elementary and high school years he proudly showed livestock as part of his 4-H commitment and attended 4-H camp when he could get away from the busy ranch life. While in highs school at Broadus, he became active in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Activities he continued to participate in with his children. He became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Miles City after his marriage. After his move to Fargo, Don was an avid member of the Flame of Faith United Methodist Church in West Fargo. He faithfully served as trustee for several years as well as other volunteering for a variety of activities. His dedication and commitment to his children and their activities at the Northern Cass School were evident with his attendance to everything from dance and music programs to the Friday night football games and baseball games in all types of weather. NDSU Bison football became the center of many fun gatherings.
Don is survived by his wife Tanya Russiff of Harwood, ND; three children: Joshua, Jorian and Jana all of Harwood, ND; three sisters: Sandy (Ric) Rabe of Miles City, MT; Diana (Chris) Elwood of Volborg, MT; and Mary Lou Russiff of Miles City, MT; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Gary Russiff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Flame of Faith United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. CST
Thursday February 22, 2018
Flame of Faith United Methodist Church
1222 6th St E
West Fargo, ND 58078
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m. CST
Friday February 23, 2018
Flame of Faith United Methodist Church
1222 6th St E
West Fargo, ND
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. MST to 6:00 p.m. MST
Monday February 26, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Mt 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. CST
Thursday February 22, 2018
Flame of Faith United Methodist Church
1222 6th St E
West Fargo, ND 58078
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m. CST
Friday February 23, 2018
Flame of Faith United Methodist Church
1222 6th St E
West Fargo, ND
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. MST to 6:00 p.m. MST
Monday February 26, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Mt 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 27, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
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Cindy Ingraham says
To all of Don’s family you are in my prayers. Hold tight to the Memories
Martha Crandall says
my sympathy
Diane Rix says
I had the privilege of working with Don at the Fargodome. He was always so kind and such a hard worker. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. The world lost a wonderful man when God took Don home with him.
Deb Bartholomew says
Russiff Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Treasure your memories as this will help with difficult day ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Millissa Martin says
My love to the entire family <3 Don was a wonderful man. I'm glad I was able to know him.`
Dewey and Shelly Joyce says
Tanya, Josh, Jorian and Jana,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you in your time of sorrow..I’m so glad we got to know Don and hang out with him..Cherish all the great memories..Take care and we are sending Prayers..
Sarah Wagner says
So sorry. Donny was so nice.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Russiff family.
Guy Lund says
To all of Don’s family. I have known Don since childhood. You couldn’t ask for a nicer guy. I know he will be missed greatly by his family and his community. My condolences and thoughts are with you all.
Brian Russiff, SharLa (Russiff) Lalum, Stephen & Andrew, says
Dear Tanya, Josh, Jorian, Jana, Sandy, Diana, & Mary Lou,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our cousin Don. We have many fond memories of ranch life growing up together on the Mizpah. Cherish your memories and know we are thinking of you all during this difficult time. God Bless.
Ron and Connie Watts says
Dear Sandy, Mary Lou and all of Don’s family – We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending our deepest condolences and prayers for His comfort during this difficult time and in the days ahead. God bless you all.
Bonnie Russiff Schott & Barry Russiff says
To Tanya, Josh, Jorian & Jana and Sandy and Diana and Lou… words fail to express… God bless you especially much during these times.
Hovland family says
Thoughts, prayers and love sent to the family. We will surely miss Don because he was such a good man. Heaven has surely gained a wonderful angel.
Mitch Burley says
Tanya and family my deepest condolences to you all for your loss. Don was truely loved by all that knew him. I have a lot of great memories in high school with him. I consider it a privilege to have called him a friend and class mate Mitch
Marla Malley says
I didn’t hear about his death or even his illness til this week. So sorry, cuz you lost one heck of a good man. All that knew him loved him, including me. RIP Donnie.
Rhonda Raschkow says
Saddened by the loss of Donny. The memories I have were spent at his parent’s home for dinners, good laughs and genuine times. I will never forget growing up east of Olive with all our neighbors. You all mean so much to me, and I’m so very sorry for the loss of a very kind man as I knew in Donny. Prayers to his wife, children, sisters and family. ❤️
Barbara Russiff says
Kyla and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to Tanya, Josh, Jorian, Jana and to Sandy, Diana and Mary Lou. So many memories growing up with Don and all of the cousins on the Mizpah to cherish forever. Many hugs, prayers and love sending to you all.
Ken Minow says
To Donny’s family-So sorry to hear of his passing.I hadn’t talked to him for years,but always will remember him as a nice quiet man and a good mechanic. RIP. Ken Minow
Rev. Richard & Mary Salge says
Our deep Christian sympathy to Don’s family, with many fond memories as his confirmation pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Broadus, Montana. I’m proud of the life that Don lived and his active faith in our Lord & Savior, Jesus the Christ. From Mankato, MN, the Rev. Richard & Mary Salge
Tracy Anderson says
So terribly sad. My heart goes out to your entire family especially you and the kids.
Geri Huether says
May the good Lord wrap his arms around you and your family during this trying time. Prayers are being sent
Ruth Haining says
I didn’t know Don very well. I only met him a couple of times. I shared a violin class for several years with his kids and spent many hours playing music, coloring, sitting and chatting, playing games with all three of his kids. Although I didn’t know him very well, but from visiting with Josh and Jorian I knew what a fabulous fellow he was. All 3 of his children worshiped him. They constantly talked about how supportive he was, what a great dad he was, what a cool guy he was, and how many cool things he knew how to do. The one chance I did have to visit with him for a while he spent about 30 minutes telling me how proud he was of his children and how amazing they all were. He was such a supportive father, he was a caring and strong husband and he loved his family, and that was evident through his silent smile that he wore all the time. He was a man of few words but the words he did say were words that counted. He will be missed. My prayers are with the family.
Teri, Rob, Adam and Drew Nicklay says
Tanya, Jorian, Jana and Josh – My heart breaks for you at this difficult time. We only recently got to know you when Jorian played baseball with Adam for that one summer, but we didn’t need much time to know what a great man Don was and what a great dad he was. He was always there. No words can make it better right now, but I do know how your children are hurting as I lost my dad in high school. Just know you will always miss him, but the pain does lessen with time. We are here for you if you need anything! God bless!
Steve, Connie, Kelsey and Brandon Lerew says
Prayers And a big hug for Tanya, Josh, Jorian and Jana. Don’s love for all of you will never fade. We are so sorry for your loss, Lerew Family ❤️
Dale Conrad says
My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family. The Conrad family expresses our deepest sympathy, may you all find comfort in his peace. God Bless You All.
Tim and Diane says
Thoughts and prayers to all of Don’s family. Just hold on to the great memories you have!
Julie Emmons says
I got to share many memories with Don, Mary Lou and a few other Russiff cousins through 4-H and showing steers. Don was so very kind and a truly good hearted person. Those of us who got to ride the “Feeder Bus” down the Mizpah shared a special bond as we spent a lot of time together throughout school years. God Bless you Don and may your family receive the comfort of our Lord along with His love.
Leo and JoAnn Jurica says
Our sympathy to all of Don’s family .
Ivy Aasen says
Heaven is shining a little brighter now as Don’s smile brightens it up! We are so sorry for you, Tanya, Josh, Jorian, and Jana. May you find comfort in God’s Love and know that everyone is here for you and the kids. Many Thoughts and Prayers to the entire family!
The Aasen’s…Cory, Ivy, Faith, Jocelyn, and Lillian
Lance Clark says
Don and Family,
Thoughts and prayers from Clark families.
Great memories of Don at Powder River High School, 4-H and FFA.
Condolences,
Lance Clark, Portland
Darlene Clark, Miles City
Scott and Mary Clark, Billings
Brent Clark, Volborg
Mike and Tammy Pecha, Powderville
Yolanda and Paul Ferguson says
Thoughts and prayers to the Russiff family. Keep your memories close to you to get through this difficult time. May you find comfort in his peace.
Pam says
My condolences goes out to the family;
When a love one dies it’s never easy but God is the one person that can give us the strength to go on. At Psa 36:9 it says that God is the source of life. He’s the one who gave life to all living creatures and he is certainly capable of restoring life to someone who has died. This scripture gives us hope that one day soon we will be able to see our loved one again.
For more comforting thoughts,please visit jw.org. Take Care
Chris (Kiosse) and Dennis Young says
Our prayers and sympathies go out to the entire Russiff family.
Pat and Neal Sanburn says
Our sympathies to the Russiff families.
Polly Harker-Smith says
We have known Don and the wonderful Russiff family through music — Suzuki and fiddle. We enjoyed many Suzuki gatherings and concerts together. Don was so friendly and helpful. And there were the fiddle camp years at the Peace Garden – lots of fun! Your entire family holds a special place in my heart — Don was such a great guy! Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Diana Russiff says
To Tanya, Josh, Jorian & Jana, and Sandy, Diana and Mary Lou,
Sending our heartfelt sympathy. We are so sad to hear of Don’s passing. As we all reminisce on our favorite memories of Don it is apparent what a great man he was. – So loved by all his family and friends! May God comfort and support you through this difficult time. Love, Diana & Bob Russiff and family
Wade Anderson Family says
Don’s friendship (and your family’s) has been a blessing in our lives. Don was always kind and had a great smile that light up his eyes. He will be missed. Please accept our sympathy for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Johnsgard says
Very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Darwin and Marie Hinrichs says
Don and I had many wonderful times together running the weed and mosquito programs for Cass County. He was the best friend and a great help with anything that needed fixing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his special family. He always had such a great attitude and smile. Thanks for the memories Don.
Sandy Stetz-Desmarais says
Tanya and family,
Nothing can ease your sadness, hold tight to all the good times, and
know that we are all thinking of you. Many hugs and much love Tanya, Joshua,
Jorian and Jana
Sandy Stetz-Desmarais
Pam Bonenberger says
sorry to hear about your brother Diana. Remember the good times you had and hold them close as you navigate through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
To Sandy, Diana, Mary Lou and all of Don’s family — so sorry for your loss — our prayers are with you at this time.
Teryl Tatro says
Tanya and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jodi Novak says
Although I didn’t have the opportunity to spend much time with Don over the years, I am so grateful to have gotten to know him better over the past several months. Tanya, his wife, is my first cousin and I am sad we had many miles separating us over the years. Don and I shared a special connection through brain cancer as well as a relationship with Jesus Christ. I (a survivor of 16+ years) am grateful to have been there in support of him over these past months. This is extremely difficult for all of us and I so wish I could be present at the funeral. I rejoice that Don is now in his heavenly body…free from this ugly disease. Lots of prayers for Tanya and the kids and for all who feel the void. May the Lord bless each of you.
Cheryl Hartl says
Tanya, Josh, Jorian, and Jana…….I am so sorry I couldn’t attend the services for Don to say farewell to such a great friend and fellow FOF friend….I have missed that smile and hug from Don. My heart breaks for you all………….may all your special memories keep you comforted always……….love and prayers………….Cheryl and Cliff Hartl
Jodee, Kane & Damon says
Sending our love and prayers to you all. I hope the good memories you have bring you some comfort and peace.
June & Pete Minow says
Tanya and family, We are so sad and so sorry for your loss. We hadn’t seen Don for several years but remember him as a kind, well mannered and such a very nice person. We are praying for all of you. May your special memories comfort you in the days ahead. Gods blessings on all of you.
John and Lana Smith says
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. The world is missing another good man, and our prayers go out to all of you.
Tammy Mallett Pecha says
So sorry for your loss.Donny was such a wonderful man.
Sonny Lockwood and Sandy Stahl says
Our thoughts are with you at this time of loss.
Chet says
So sorry for Dons family Don was a very nice guy and will be missed a lot. I have knowing Don for a long time went to grade school together a couple of year at spring creek school . Had some good time with him.