Russ C. Walberg, age 69, of Brookings, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Arlington, SD.
Russ Carlisle Walberg was born on April 19, 1946 in Flandreau, SD the son of Carlyle and Emma Jeanne (Hoisington) Walberg. He grew up in the Flandreau area and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1964. He attended the University of South Dakota. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1965 and attended OCS Training and was commissioned into an Officer on April 11, 1967. He served as an Infantry Platoon Leader in Vietnam from October 1967 to October 1968. During his combat tour he earned his combat Infantryman Badge and a Bronze Star. He was united in marriage to Marjorie L. Mashek on January 12, 1969 in Fort Hood. TX. The couple moved to Moody County in 1970. He received his bachelor’s degree, worked different jobs and served in the Army Reserve for several years where he earned the rank of Major.
Russ enjoyed hunting and fishing with his kids and grandkids. He also was a car enthusiast, tinkering on cars and trucks on a regular basis. He was a member of the VFW, a lifetime member of the DAV and the U.S. Judo association.
He is survived by his wife: Marjorie of Brookings; seven children: Jessica (Andy) Jacobs of Hill City, Jennifer Austin of Brookings, Aaron (Mandy) Walberg of Aberdeen, Adam Hagemann of Sioux Falls, Amanda Taylor and Brianna Walberg both of Flandreau and Jordon Hagemann of Rutland; 17 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two brothers: Danny Walberg of Nisswa, MN and Ricky (Sharon) Walberg of West Jasper, SD; two sisters: Judy (Mike) VandeVorde, of Sioux Falls and Carla (Terry) Schmidt of Dell Rapids and numerous nieces and nephews.
Russ is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and one brother Dale.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Peace Lutheran Church in Brookings. Graveside services will be held Thursday, June 4 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Condolences may left at www.rudesfuneralhome.com.