Russell R. Kuennen, 83, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Steve Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque is assisting the family.

Russell was born on February 20, 1941, in St. Lucas, Iowa the son of Arnold and Florence (Tallman) Kuennen. He received his education from St. Patrick Catholic Grade School, Loras Academy and Loras College. Russ also served in the Army Reserves. 

On January 23, 1965, he married the “Prettiest bride of 1965”, Maureen Delaney at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Together they shared almost 60 years of marriage.

Russ was a supervisor for John Deere Dubuque Works in the Experimental Department, retiring in 1995. He then worked for the Dubuque Community School District as a bus driver for 10 years, retiring in 2010. He often said that was one of the nicest jobs he ever had. Russ was a member of “That Man is You” with Holy Ghost Church and was a Board Member for DuTrac Community Credit Union.

Russ enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Meadows Golf Club. He will be missed at his Thursday morning coffee meetings with his friends and his Saturday morning breakfast at HyVee. Russ loved his winters in Florida with Maureen. Every summer Russ was spotted regularly on his lawn mower and took great pride in meticulously manicuring his lawn.

Russ is survived by his wife, Maureen; his sons, Jim (Jackie) Kuennen and Eric (Vanessa) Kuennen, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Emmett and Bertha Delaney; a sister Aileen Klinck and a son Jefferey A. Kuennen to ALS on June 26, 2010.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.