Obituary of Russell B. Knight

Russell B. Knight, age 102 died peacefully at the Crestview Care center in West Branch, Iowa on Wednesday, October 26th, 2022. Russell was born August 27, 1920, in Adel, Iowa, the son of Mearl and Laura (Oelmann) Knight. Growing up in Ackley, Iowa he graduated from Ackley High School. Russ enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. He flew 31 missions successfully in a B24 Bomber and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for his missions. On January 14, 1945, Russell was united in marriage to Dorothy E. “Betty” Swanson at the Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, IL. The couple resided in Ackley, Iowa until moving to Iowa City in 1958 when Russell began a long career with the University of Iowa in the General Stores Department, retiring as manager in 1985. Russell had a strong, lifelong commitment to his faith and his love of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church reflected this. He had a passion for gardening which was passed down to him by his mother and was a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and his beloved “Cubbies”, the Chicago Cubs. But nothing was more important or dear to him than the love he had for his wife, Betty and their family. Russ is survived by his children, Beverly Knight of Hinesburg, VT, Martin Knight of Las Vegas, NV, William (Karen) Knight of Iowa City, and Jacquelyn (Christopher) Robinson of Portland, OR; three grandchildren, Robert Knight, Kristin (Andrew) Lawson, Scott (Ashlie) Knight; and four great-grandchildren, Jack, Emma, and William Lawson and Remington Knight; sisters Kathryn Stock, Lorna (Kenneth) Muller, and Myrna (Alvin) Baird. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, daughter-in-law Barbara Knight, sister Irene Marquart, and brother-in-laws Paul Marquart and Bill Stock. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Donations may be made in Russell’s memory to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Iowa City or Iowa City Hospice. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.