Russell G. Dring, 76, of Redfield died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls.  Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Redfield. Father Christopher Hughes will celebrate the mass.  Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 1 to 8 p.m., with a rosary at 6 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Condolences may be left at www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Russell was born July 30, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minn. to Carroll and Frances (Brula) Dring. The family moved to Rockham when Russ was 5 years old. Russ attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Zell and graduated from Redfield High School in 1956. He worked for the railroad for a few years.  On Aug. 29, 1959, Russ married Marion Newman in Zell. He worked for NWPS as a lineman for 39 years.

Russ enjoyed all sports and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren in Kearney, Neb., participate in soccer, track and football. He was an avid trapper and fisherman and loved to hunt with Jeff, Jay and the Newmans at the Newman Farm. Russ fully enjoyed his retirement, planting a big garden, spending time with his buddies and the dog “Blue” at Redfield Body Shop.

Russ leaves wonderful memories to his wife of 55 years, Marion; his sons: Jeff (Lisa Knoff) Dring of Dell Rapids and Jay (Julie) Dring of Columbus, Neb.; his grandchildren: Kelli (Chad) Fleek, Rustin Dring and Lucas Knoff; his aunt Geraldine Dring; brothers-in-law: Milt (Devonna) Newman, Merlin (Judy) Newman, Maurice Newman, Marvin (Dorinne) Newman; his sisters-in-law: Marlis Freeburg and Melva Olson; and many nieces and nephews.

His son’s dogs, Bella, Harley and Ace will also miss Russ. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Jim Freeburg; and aunts and uncles. Russ’s sense of humor and his love of jokes will be missed.