Russell Hepper, age 87 of Garrison, ND, formerly of Underwood, ND, died Thursday, January 18, 2007 at the Benedictine Living Center of Garrison.

Funeral Services: 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 23, 2007;
Faith Evangelical Church - Underwood, ND;
Rev. Doug Sathren, Officiating; Rev. D. Wayne Bearbower, Assisting;
Interment: Underwood Cemetery;
Visitation: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday at Goetz Funeral Home - Underwood;
with a 8:00 PM Remembrance Service that is open to the public.
Tuesday, 1 hour prior to time of service at the church.

Russell William Hepper was born March 28, 1919 at rural Underwood, ND, the son of Jacob & Mary (Koth) Hepper. He attended rural school in Longfellow Township and graduated from Underwood High School in 1936. Russell continued his education at the North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) in Fargo, ND for two semesters and also at the Minot State Teachers College. As the only son of his parents, he returned to the family farm to work because of his father's failing health. Russell married Jessie Sinclair on November 17, 1952 at Fargo, ND. They made their home on the Hepper family farm west of Underwood for many years and raised two children. After living 65 years in the home in which he was born, he and Jessie retired from farming in 1984 and moved into Underwood. He and his family were privileged to host a foreign exchange student from Germany, Christian Blomeyer, in the years of 1978-1979, adding a whole different dimension to their family history. Russell served on the Underwood Farmer's Elevator board for 18 years and served for several years on the Underwood School Board. He was treasurer of the Underwood Community Clinic Association from its conception in 1958 until 2002. Russell was a member of the local Masons, Shriners, & Elks Lodge. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Underwood for many years. Russell became a resident of the Prairieview Nursing Home in Underwood in February 2005. In May 2005, he moved to the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison.

He is survived by his wife, Jessie Hepper of Garrison, ND; daughter, Harriet (Foster) Peppard of Appleton, WI; son, John (Carol) Hepper of Minot, ND; & 2 grandchildren, Jaydin & Jace Hepper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 sisters (Neoma & Lillian)