Russell L. Wright

Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, December 24, 1940
Date of Death:
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Age:
83 years old

Memorial Gathering

Date: Saturday December 07, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location: Byron Funeral Home [ view map ]

Additional Service Details

Reflection Time at the Byron Funeral Home 3:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life at the Byron American Legion from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

If you would like to view Russell's Time of Reflection, please CLICK HERE.  This link will expire within 30 days.

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Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, December 24, 1940
Date of Death:
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Age:
83 years old
Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, December 24, 1940
Date of Death:
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Age:
83 years old

Russell L. Wright

Russell Leigh Wright, age 83, of Byron, MN, died on Tuesday December 3, 2024 at his home after a long struggle with Parkinson’s  disease.  Russ was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1940 to Dale and Nora on the family farm near Sebeka, MN.  The oldest of eight children, he learned his love for hard work and farming.  He was surrounded by his Finnish heritage. His family moved to Worthington, MN and he graduated from Worthington High School in 1958.  After high school he joined the Army National Guard (1959-1965) and attended Worthington Community College (1959-1961). He was married to Barbara Darlene Rogers on June 7, 1961 in Reading, MN. Russ then attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1964 with an electrical engineer degree. He began his 30 year career with IBM, moving to Rochester in 1964.  They bought their country acreage and hobby farm in Byron in 1967. Russell and Darlene raised Arabian horses and enjoyed many years of showing horses and trail riding. They had numerous travels to The Black Hills in South Dakota and the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. Russell was also an avid hobby farmer.  He had beef cattle for a few years, and raised hay, corn, and soybeans.  After retirement, Russ and Darlene wintered in Apache Junction, AZ.  They traveled with their horses for 17 years and rode all winter in the Superstition Mountains and surrounding areas.  They continued to winter in Gold Canyon, AZ after the horses and farm were sold, until Spring 2024.
Russell was cared for, and survived by his wife Darlene.  He is survived by daughters Dawn (Mike) Leonhardt of Mantorville, and Stacy Wright of Brooklyn Center, and son, Barry (Sally) Wright of Kasson. He is also survived by grandchildren Chad (Jordan) Leonhardt, Chelsey (Bryan) Schroeder, McKensey Lancette, Megan Rasmussen, and Emmily Rasmussen.  He is survived by 3 great grandchildren, Harlyn, Marshall, and Reid.  Also surviving are his 7 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a newborn son.
Russ loved his life, he loved his family, and he loved his numerous friends.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday December 7 from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the Byron Funeral Home. A short program will be held at 3:00pm.  A celebration of life will follow at the Byron American Legion from 5:00-7:00pm where light fare and cheers will be served.  Please wear your western attire or farm attire in honor of Russ.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Minnesota Trail Riders Association or Backcountry Horseman Minnesota are preferred.

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The family of Russell L. Wright has received the following condolences.

Darlene and family,


 


I was saddened to hear of Russ’s passing


Lots of great visits at the bank and Sportsmen’s Club meetings.


Russ always liked a good Finlander joke!


 


Jeff


 


 

-- Jeff Wallevand
Added on December 9, 2024

Dear Darlene, I am heart broken to learn of Russ' death. When I saw you at Costco you indicated you were his loving caretaker and you had moved into Byron. I'm hopeful you find peace as you enter this new chapter of your life. Russ was blessed to have you Darlene. 


With kove, Connie


P.S. I will donate to MTRA in his name.

-- Connie Moran
Added on December 9, 2024

Darlene and family


Just heard of Russ passing @ Dale’s celebration of life today. My thoughts and prayers to you all. I have many good saddle club memories of him.


Virginia

-- Virginia Hayward
Added on December 7, 2024

I am so sorry to read about Russ's Death.  I enjoyed working with him on the MTRA and riding with him.  He did alt for Minnesota Trail Riders and will be missed.


Lois Payne

-- Lois Payne
Added on December 6, 2024

Good memories.


Heel veel sterkte voor de familie en vrienden met dit grote verlies.


Johan en Marja Raatjes

-- Johan En Marja Raatjes
Added on December 5, 2024

Sending our condolences and prayers.

-- Bob And Jeanne OBrien
Added on December 5, 2024

Dear Stacy and family,


I’m so sorry to hear of the great loss of your beloved dad. I’m holding you on my heart as you grieve. Love to you. 

-- Stacy Sinner
Added on December 5, 2024

Darlene and family,


 


I’m very sorry for your loss. I remember many fun years with you on the wagon train rides.

-- Sherry Benike
Added on December 5, 2024

A long time buddy and cousin. Rest well. My Prayers go out the family.

-- Gary Bergman
Added on December 5, 2024

Rest in Peace Russ. I think of you often and your generosity in helping me with my Arizona adventures. There will always be a special place in my heart for you.

-- Roxanne Napper
Added on December 4, 2024

Darlene and family,


I’m very sorry for your loss.  Even though Dean and I didn’t know you as well as the rest of my family, I’ll always remember you for your kindness and fun-loving spirits.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

-- Mavis Klingsporn Loftus
Added on December 4, 2024

Blessed to have ridden with Russ in the 90's. Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication to trail riding in Minnesota. Rest in peace Russ.

-- Val Strub
Added on December 4, 2024

Russ thank you for all the hard work preserving horse trails and horse parks in MN. You were a hard worker and gave many hours to Minnesota Trail Riders Asso and Zumbro Bottoms. It was a pleasure knowing you. Rest in Peace. 

-- Kris Patten
Added on December 4, 2024

Our deepest sympathy  and prayers at the loss of your father.  CHERISH HIS MEMORY.


The Elliotts

-- David & Anne Elliott
Added on December 4, 2024