Russell “Russ” Benjamin Souba, 74

Blue Earth — Russell “Russ” Benjamin Souba, age 74, of Blue Earth, died Sept. 11, 2008, at United Hospital in Blue Earth following injuries sustained in a car accident. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Sept. 16, 2008, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Blue Earth, Father Mark McNea officiated. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Blue Earth.

Patton Funeral Home and Cremation Service was in charge of arrangements.

Russ was born May 13, 1934, in Hopkins, the son of Edwin G. and Cecile E. (Anderson) Souba. He graduated in 1952 from Hopkins High School. In the fall of 1952 he joined the United States Marine Corps. From 1952 until May of 1955 he served in the Korean Conflict. He was very proud of his country and to have served it. He was honorably discharged from the armed services on Oct. 16, 1960. During his tour in the military he received the Korean Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. On Nov. 3, 1956, he married Pat Rohrich at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Minneapolis, and they had five children.

Russ began his career in the Insurance industry after getting out of the military. After a number of years in Albany, he moved his family to Blue Earth in 1976. For the last 18 years he has worked for John Keister at Minn-Iowa Insurance Agency. He has belonged to a number of service organizations in Blue Earth and was proud to be a member of the American Legion Post 89 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 4580, where he has served in several capacities including Commander and coordinator of the Honor Guard. Russ was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, and was an avid golfer at Riverside Town and Country Club. He was also an active member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church for many years.

Russ is survived by his wife, Pat Souba of Blue Earth, his children, Karen (Craig) Hougen of Blue Earth, Diane (Mitch) Murphy of Blue Earth, Kevin (Miriam) Souba of Newport News, Va., Mark (Kim) Souba of Chaska, Kathleen (Jonathan) Bastianelli of Tempe, Ariz., his brother, Marvin Souba of Minnetonka, 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and nephews, Tim (Sandy) Souba of Wayzata and Todd Souba of Bloomington.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com