BTC (SW) Russell Mathias Walz, retired U.S. Navy, passed away on August 15, 2015, at the Twin Valley Living Center after an 11 year courageous and steadfast battle from a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

Russell was born on September 12, 1959 in Fosston, Minnesota to Leander and Lucille (Teuber) Walz.  He was a 1978 graduate of Mahnomen High School and joined the U.S. Navy after graduation.  Russell loved the Navy and gave 22 years of service before retiring in 2000 and returning to his hometown of Mahnomen. He served aboard the USS Prairie, USS Sacramento, USS Bronstein, USS Mount Vernon and with the Navy Absentee Collection Unit.  He became an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist upon completing Surface Officers School Command.

Russell earned numerous commendations during his naval career including the Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, five Good Conduct Medals, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, six Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and the Coast Guard Special Operations Medal.  Russell's pride for his country and love of the military was evident in his collection of anything containing the US Flag and proudly displayed the Stars & Stripes everywhere in his room.

Russell married Flor Acosta (Matthews) in 1982 and in 1983 welcomed their son, Derrick Dustin Walz.  Russ was proud to be Derrick's father and they had a very special father-son bond.  He was looking forward to the birth of his granddaughter, Zoey Lucille Walz later this year in December.

Russell married Sherry Montour in San Diego, California on June 29, 1996.  They shared positions and interests in the Chula Vista Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #3142.  They enjoyed working side-by-side to raise money for various charities and found a home with the Eagles and its members.  Playing steel-tip darts and bowling became their passion.  Russell was a member of Chula Vista Aerie #3142, the Mahnomen American Legion, the Mahnomen Area Sportsman's Club and the Disabled Veterans of America.

Russell spent the next five years after retirement as a building maintenance night supervisor for the Shooting Star Casino and was extremely proud to hold the highest level of Boiler License in the State of Minnesota.  He also worked alongside Gary and Earl Schlick farming in his spare time and providing transport for the Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office.

Having spent the last seven years under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and residing for five years at the Twin Valley Living Center, he made special bonds with all his caregivers and they truly cared and loved him. His sense of humor and determination never wavered.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Sherry, his son, Derrick (Kim) Walz, two stepsons, Michael (Melinda) Terrell and Sean Shelton, one step-granddaughter, Victoria, one step-grandson, Anthony and a step-great-granddaughter, Lilly.  Special daughter, Krystal Voit and three goddaughters, Mataya, Saryniti and Zareya.  Russell is survived by his brothers, Gerald (Karen) Walz, Lee (Janet) Walz, Raye (Marie) Walz, Dean (Diane) Walz and Darrell Walz and two aunts, Lorena (Walz) Teuber and Ruth (Giard) Walz.  Also surviving are his nephews, Dan, Chris, Kevin, Todd and Jason; and nieces, Dawn, Brenda, Francine, Amanda and Kristi. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Leander and Lucille Walz, brother, Ron Walz and a niece, Nicole Walz.

Blessed be the memory of Russell Walz

Viewing and visitation was held at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen on Friday, August 21, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service and rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN, burial to follow. Please join the family afterwards for lunch in the basement of the church.