Florence Otillia (Brede) Russell, 88, of Austin, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007, at Albert Lea Good Samaritan Center.

Florence was born March 13, 1919, in Ida Township, Douglas County, to Otto and Louisa (Schoeneck) Brede. She attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield when she was baptized and confirmed. On Sept. 19, 1944, she was united in marriage to Kenneth M. Russell in Garfield. In 1950 Florence and Kenneth moved to Austin. In 1970 the family moved to Centralia, Ill., returning to Austin in 1973. Florence was a homemaker.

Florence was a long time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was active in the St. John’s Ladies Aide where she was president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Florence attended Bible study classes and the quilting group. Her interests included gardening, sewing, quilting, crocheting, reading and pie baking. Florence long enjoyed summer vacations fishing with her family on Lake Ida.

Florence died on Sept. 30, after having suffered a stroke on Aug. 15.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth M. Russell, Austin; daughter, Francine (Wayne) Strouf, Oakland; sons, Dale (Benita Manahan) Russell, Pennock, Rick (Jean) Russell, Maple Grove; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Schulz, Anoka; sisters-in-law, Marion Brede, Garfield, Marcene Ziegelman, Garfield.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Louisa Brede; brothers, Frederick and Waldemar Brede; sister-in-law, Linda Brede; brother-in-law, Clarence Schulz.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. William Natzke officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Mayer Funeral Home and also one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

The honorary casket bearers will be Tina Fread, Heather Russell and Yamieleth Cantu. The casket bearers will be Michael Strouf, Peter Russell, Merlin Ziegelman, Robert Brede, Maurice Schulz and Ernesto Cantu.