Russ Pautsch, age 86 of Jefferson, IA, formerly of Sac City and Early, IA, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at The Gardens Assisted Living in Jefferson. Russ Emil Pautsch was born on September 10, 1934, on his parent’s farm NE of Charter Oak, IA. He was the youngest of seven children born to Ferdinand and Elsie (Jacobs) Pautsch. As a youngster, he attended Charter Oak’s German Lutheran School. He was confirmed in 1948, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. He graduated from Charter Oak High School in 1952, where he played basketball, baseball, and the trumpet.
Russ entered the U.S. Navy on September 20, 1952, serving on the USS Los Angeles during the Korean War; being honorably discharged in 1955. He then attended business school from 1956-1957.
On October 9, 1965, Russ married Mary Penniman in Auburn, IA. They have five children: Cindy, Brad, Kurt, Terry, and Ryan. They raised their family in the Early, IA, area where Russ farmed for Ned Stanzel. After retiring, they moved to Sac City. Mary passed away in August of 2017. Russ will be remembered for his love of playing cards, especially Euchre & Cribbage, and Bingo. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Russ is survived by his five children: Cindy (Steve) Ploen of Kingsley, IA, Brad (Sally) Pautsch of Sioux City, IA, Kurt (Amy) Pautsch of Grand Rapids, MN, Terry (Kim) Pautsch of Gowrie, IA, and Ryan (Eve) Pautsch of Denver, IA; grandchildren: Eric Ploen, Aaron (Kristi) Ploen, Katlynn (Jama) Farah, Joe, Mary, and Reggie Pautsch, Elizabeth (Lucas) Else, Laura (Jake) Hudinsky, Katherine and Anna Pautsch, Melissa (Hunter) Pautsch, Grant, Miles, and Henry Pautsch; and eight great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Other survivors include sister-in-law Jennie Pautsch; brothers-in-law Melvin Zollman, Robert (Brigitta) Penniman, Larry Ladwig, Mike (Susie) Penniman, and Fred (Merlene) Penniman; many nieces and nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Russ was preceded in death by his wife Mary; parents Ferdinand and Elsie Pautsch; siblings: Irene (Kermit) Teut, Lester (Arlene) Pautsch, Lavina (Ernie) Wiebers, Lloyd Pautsch, Orpha (Burdell) Jensen, and Marian (Russell) Boeck.
