Moorhead – Russell Delorme, 71, Moorhead, died Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Russell “Russ” John Delorme was born April 17, 1952 in Crookston, to Ernest and Noella (Derosier) Delorme. He was raised in Thief River Falls, graduating from Thief River Falls Lincoln High School in 1970.
Following high school, he began employment with Joppru Meats where he cultivated what would become a lifelong trade. Many people (especially during deer season) depended on him to properly prepare the year’s harvest for the table.
On March 13, 1971 Russell was united in marriage to Karen Kujanson. They resided in Thief River Falls and welcomed two sons, Bryan in 1972 and Corey in 1975. He moved on from day-to-day meat cutting after more than a decade at Joppru’s to become the manager of the meat department at Hartz Foods in Thief River Falls.
With nearly 20 years in the meat cutting business, he decided to pursue a career in meat sales, and in 1989 Russell and Karen moved to Moorhead.
Russ had a keen ability to connect with people, had a great memory and used those skills in a successful stint in sales at Gold ’n’ Plump Poultry (St. Cloud) and later at J&B Meats (St. Michael). Russ concluded almost 50 years of employment in 2018, when he decided to retire.
Russ loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially in the fall, when he spent many weekends hunting mainly grouse and deer. He was an avid sports fan following the Vikings, Twins, Gophers, Bison and the hometown Moorhead Spuds. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandchildren participate in activities and they were a significant source of pride for him in witnessing their accomplishments. Russ was a storyteller and there will be many reflections reminiscing about some of those stories told many times over. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, visiting around the campfire at the hunting cabin and time with his family. Russ instilled in his boys a strong work ethic, loyalty, trust and unconditional love.
He will be remembered by his family as a great father, devoted husband, and loving grandfather.
Russ is survived by two sons, Bryan (Nicole Forde) Delorme of St. Louis Park, and Corey (Tami Knutson) Delorme of Moorhead; four grandchildren, Parker, Lucy, Cameron, and Audrey; siblings, Roy (Evelyn) Delorme of Venice, FL, Marlys Millner of Hastings, Richard (Cindy) Delorme of St. Cloud, and Mike Delorme of Fridley; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Karen; his parents; brother, Ron Delorme; and sisters, Margaret Mattson and Sue Krause.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church.
Arrangements entrusted to Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead.
Online condolences may be shared at www.korsmofuneralservice.com.
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