Kevin Scott Russell, 65 years old, of Burlington, Iowa, died on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Following his passing, Kevin was able to give the gift of life through the Iowa Donor Network.
Kevin was born on April 25, 1960, to Thomas and Sandra (Westerbeck) Russell in Burlington, Iowa. He was a Burlington High School graduate, Class of 1978. Following high school, Kevin completed a Machinist Apprentice Program at Murray Iron Works and took Machinist classes at Southeastern Community College.
His career started with that apprenticeship at Murray Iron Works and later he worked at Champion Spark Plug/Tenneco as a Tool & Die Maker for 38 years. He was a loyal Member of UAW Local 1237 throughout his career. He loved the group of Champion tool makers he worked alongside. Kevin and his father enjoyed working together for 30 years at Champion, the longest of any father/son employee working at the same time. While working a full-time job, Kevin also owned and operated Russell's Sharpening Shop for over 10 years.
Kevin and Karen met in 6th grade and had mutual friends. They enjoyed lots of activities like school dances, going to Bees games, Ken's pizza and Putt n Cone. They were high school sweet hearts. He married Karen Sue (Schwarm) Russell on May 23, 1981. They were married for over 44 years and raised two daughters, Jennifer and Michelle.
Left to cherish Kevin's memory are his loving wife, Karen, beloved children, Jennifer and Michelle, and granddaughters Marissa, Mia and Zoey Ohler. He is also survived by his mother, Sandy Russell, brother, Michael Russell, niece and nephew, cousins, and a tight-knit group of friends whom he considered family.
Kevin maintained the same group of friends since high school, and for 23 years, they took an annual "Iowa Boys" trip in Indianapolis together. They were all very competitive in playing horseshoes. Kevin was the champ at "name that tune" with 70 & 80's rock music. Those who called Kevin a friend had known and trusted him for most of his lifetime.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Russell, and his grandparents.
Throughout his life, Kevin worked side-by-side with his father on endless projects, including building and remodeling homes, roofing, gardening, hunting, and more. Kevin helped his daughters with remodeling projects on their homes. Kevin enjoyed hunting deer and pheasants, with his well-trained German Shorthaired Pointer gun dogs. He maintained an enormous and immaculate garden and would share his tomatoes, potatoes, squash, and more with friends and family. Kevin and his granddaughter, Zoey, were close and he enjoyed teaching her how to drive his tractor, four-wheeler, side-by-side and quizzing her in math. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed Iowa Hawkeye wrestling. Despite being an avid Hawkeye fan, he proudly wore Iowa State shirts in support of his daughter Michelle for being an alumni.
Kevin loved the outdoors and had a passion for conservation and wildlife. He took pride in his timber and did several preservation projects on his property with Des Moines County Soil & Water Conservation District, Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the National Wild Turkey Foundation.
A memorial has been established for Des Moines County Conservation.
Cremation has been accorded and entrusted to Prugh Funeral Service.
A Celebration of Life will be from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Drake in Burlington.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Kevin's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Kevin will be remembered for his strong work ethic, values, and for always trying to do the right thing. He lived his life trying be a great example for those he loved.