Russell Waldorf

Russell Raymond Waldorf (Axeman), aged 71, passed away on April 13, 2024 in Billings, Montana. He was a beloved father, husband, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Russ was born on June 22, 1952 in Perham, Minnesota, to his parents Joseph and Bernice, brother Kenneth, Robert and James and sisters JoAnne, Gerry and Mary, living on a farm outside of Dent, Minnesota. After Graduation from high school, Russ was drafted into the United States military, where he served for 4 years in the Army. After his military service, Russ attended the North Dakota State School of Science, Diesel Technology certification program, and became a diesel mechanic at Butler Machinery in Fargo, North Dakota. Russ later decided to pursue further education by moving to International Falls, Minnesota, and attending Rainy River Community College, where he graduated in 1992, Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Russ started his professional career with Voyageurs National Park in 1991, part time as a seasonal employee while he continued working toward his degree from Rainy River. After several seasonal years, Russ was offered a full-time position with Voyageur National Park as a maintenance supervisor. While serving in his position as a maintenance supervisor, Russ enjoyed supervising teams that would make and maintaining new hiking trails, developing and maintaining camping sites, and grooming snowmobile trails across the lakes and portages of the park. Russ frequently told stories of workplace adventures, summer seasonal friendships, and experiences he had while driving a tour boat both on Kabetogama and Rainy Lakes. Fun fact, Russ was a licensed ship, Captain. Russ also enjoyed an annual fishing trip to Canada with his son, brother-in-law, and nephews. After 23 years of outstanding service, Russ retired from working at Voyageur National Park in 2014. Throughout his career with the park service, Russ was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. Russ met his loving wife Lisa while living at Kabetogama Lake, and they were later married at the Methodist Church on the Lake, on September 22, 2012. After retiring from the Voyageur National Park, Russ and Lisa traveled to various states around the United States and ended up buying a home back in Minnesota on Star Lake.

Russ was a devoted father and husband, he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren at Marion Lake. Russ spent time with his loved ones by playing games, sharing stories, going fishing, and sitting by the campfire. Russ was always there to offer guidance, support and encouragement, no matter what challenges were faced.

In his free time, Russ enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, ice fishing, and walks with his loving wife Lisa. Russ also took great pride in his yard and upkeep of his lovely home on Star Lake.

Russ is survived by his loving wife, Lisa, his children, Samantha, James, Cole, his grandchildren, Haley, Nelson, Adrianna, Lillian, great grandchildren, Phoebe, Charlotte, Theodore, Franklin Russell, brother Robert, sister Mary, many nieces, nephews, and the family cat Prism. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.