Russell H. Kustrich Jr., age 79, of Lakeland, MN, passed away at Regions Hospital on February 16, 2020, with family by his side.

Russell was born on September 13, 1940 in St. Paul to parents Russell and Jeannette (Florence) Kustrich. After graduating from Johnson High School he served in the US military in the Marine Corps. Once he returned home he began his career as a locomotive operator with North Star Steel and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Porotko on May 8, 1965 and together they were blessed with three children. Russell was a volunteer fire fighter for the Lower St. Croix Valley for many years. He enjoyed many things in life such as reading, traveling to new places, making his annual trip to the state fair with his family to try all the new food, and having a beer and kettle popcorn on 4th of July with his kids and grandkids. He was proud to be a grandpa and loved having fun with his grandkids.

Russell will remain in the hearts of his wife Mary Ann; children Vincent (Kristin) Kustrich, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Flanum, and Christopher Kustrich; grandchildren Jacob (Hannah), Shannon, Allyson, Bode, Madilyn, Kyle, and Austin; siblings Kris (Kevin) Callinan and Susan Kustrich, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Jeannette and siblings Sharron and Katherine.

A funeral service for Russell will be on Thursday, February 20th, 2020 at 10:00am at St. Katherine’s Orthodox Church, 1600 County Hwy 96, Arden Hills, MN 55112. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family.