Russell R. Elvrum, age 88 of Washburn, ND died Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the Prairieview Nursing Home in Underwood, ND.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Friday, August 1, 2008;
First Lutheran Church – Washburn, ND;
Rev. Erik Johnson, Officiating

Interment: Riverview Cemetery – Washburn;
*Graveside Rites provided by the American Legion Victor B. Wallin Post #12

Visitation: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Thursday at Goetz Funeral Home – Washburn;
Friday, one hour prior to time of service at the church.

Russell "Russ" Elvrum was born November 30, 1919 at Courtenay, ND to Olaf & Violet (Roberts) Elvrum. He moved with his family to Fargo, ND where he attended school. At an early age, he experienced life threatening and changing events. At the age of 13, Russ was accidentally shot in the neck with a 45 revolver pistol. Doctors said it was a miracle he survived. Russ went on to graduate from high school in Fargo and joined the Army National Guard in 1939. He was a member of the 164th Infantry Division and served in the South Pacific, including Guadalcanal and Fiji during World War II. Russ was wounded in action on the island of Bougainville and received a Purple Heart in 1943. Following his war-time service, he returned to North Dakota and married June Pollock. Russ & June moved to Washburn in 1950 where he was employed as a Regional Agent for Standard Oil Company. An accomplished guitar player, his introduction to music came at an early age while listening to his cousins' band. In the beginning, he took violin lessons and later traded his violin for a guitar, which he took to naturally and enjoyed his entire life. He played in many bands through the years and developed many close friendships with fellow musicians. At his grandfather's ranch near Aneta, ND, which had working horses and two riding horses, Russ developed great enthusiasm and knowledge for horses. He began breeding horses in 1955. He ran his horses in Winnipeg, Manitoba and produced many winners. Russ passed his love of horses on to his two sons, who are both recognized horsemen today. In 1971, he lost his wife, June, in a tragic car accident. In 1973, Russ was married to Dorothy Selid Hennenfent of Riverdale, ND. Dorothy shared his interest in music and race horses. She enjoyed attending all the band performances with Russ and the two of them enjoyed many trips to watch their horses run. In his typical style, Russ never dwelled on the accident in his teens, his years serving in World War II, his musical talents, and his love of horses. For him, these were all natural life experiences. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Washburn, a member of the Masons, and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Elvrum of Prairieview Nursing Home, Underwood; two sons, Russell (Martha) Elvrum of Lone Oak, TX, & Charles (Kay) Elvrum of Mandan, ND; one step-daughter, Debbie (Mike) Miller of Donnybrook, ND; 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, & 2 step-grandchildren; one sister, Lorraine Murphy of Bethesda, MD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife (June).