Russell Raymond McKenzie, age 83, of Austin, died at Austin Medical Center Thursday afternoon, Feb. 5, 2004.

He was born April 13, 1920, to Frank and Margaret (Eaton) McKenzie in Virginia, Minn. He graduated from Virginia High School in 1938. After graduation Russell worked in a local department store. He served with the U.S. Air Force during World War II in the Mediterranean and Africa, flying supply planes.

On Nov. 8, 1947, he married Ruth McKenzie in Virginia. Russell sold insurance and then cars until moving to Hoyt Lakes where he was employed by Erie Mining Company in the accounts department before moving to Taconite Harbor to become office manager for 25 years. They returned to Virginia after retirement. He belonged to the American Legion in Virginia and Lions Club in Grand Marais. In 1996 they moved to Austin to be near their daughter. Russell liked dogs and enjoyed baking apple pies and cooking.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth McKenzie of Austin; daughter, Donnarae (Larry) Davis of Glenville; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Donald; a son, David; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Memorial services will be held later in the spring. Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, is in charge of arrangements. Interment will be at London Deer Creek Cemetery in Worth County, Iowa. Jay Schulte, age 28, son of Fred and Lori Schulte, died Friday, Feb. 6, in Georgia. Arrangements are pending at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home.

John Lacis Sr., age 92, of Albert Lea, died Sunday, Feb. 1, at his home. Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Bayview /Freeborn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.