OBITUARY: Russell Earl Sprung, 1926-2005, Mitchell County, Iowa Russell E. Sprung Funeral services for Russell Earl Sprung, age 79, of Osage, Iowa, were held on Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at the Little Cedar United Methodist Church with Rev. Jay Amundson and Lay Minister Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial was in the Little Cedar Cemetery. Russell died Saturday, March 12, 2005, at Faith Lutheran Home, Osage, Iowa. He was born February 4, 1926 in Jenkins Township in Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of Fred and Dorothy (Milbrandt) Sprung. He attended country school through eighth grade and graduated from Riceville High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Force, in September 1943, and served as an Airplane Armorer Gunner. He was discharged in May 1946. Returning to Osage he was employed by Oliver manufacturing Co. in Charles City until he started farming near McIntire. He farmed most of his life near Little Cedar. Russell was united in marriage to Della Johnson, daughter of Oscar and Myra (McPhail) Johnson on March 24, 1951 at the Little Cedar United Methodist church, Little Cedar, Iowa. To this union three children were born Cheryl, Marilyn and Alan. He was an active member of the N.F.O. in which he served in county and regional offices. He was a member of the American Legion, Little Cedar Elevator Board, and Little Cedar United Methodist Church Board. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Ione Markham; and two brothers Kenneth and Robert Sprung. Russell is survived by his wife Della; two daughters, Cheryl (Gary) Pearson, Riceville and Marilyn (Robert) Waldschmidt, Waterville, Minn.; a son, Alan Sprung, Osage; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; a sister Dorothy Foster, Davenport and a brother Fred (Sylvia ) Sprung, LaMoille, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements were by Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home (641-732-3706). Copyright 2005, Mitchell County Press-News All rights reserved. www.mcpress.com -- Posted March 15, 2005