Russell H. Kinney of Ladysmith, WI went home to be with his Lord on May 13, 2026. He was 83 years old.

Russ was born on June 29, 1942 in Volga, SD to Medford and Letha Kinney. He farmed with his family and Uncle Frank until graduating from Estelline High School. Russ attended Dakota Bible College in Huron, SD to become a minister. He married Rebecca Ann Barr on July 9, 1963 in Spencer, SD. Together they served and ministered at churches in Spencer, SD; Brookings, SD; Canby, MN; Huron, SD at Dakota Bible College; Mitchell, SD; and Ladysmith WI. During his ministry, Russ also earned a master's degree from Pacific Christian College.

Russ was always looking for ways to help others, improve things, or simply make projects fun. He could be found making wood, helping someone move, repairing or cleaning someone’s house, doing yard work for others as often as he was found in the pulpit, teaching Sunday school, or working with youth.

He was instrumental in starting the Heart of the North Gospel Ministries, the Living Nativity in Memorial Park, and leading Marketplace out at the Rusk County Fairgrounds. Russ was camp manager for many years at Siouxland Christian Camp in Mitchel, SD, and Christian Harbor Youth Camp in Holcombe, WI. He managed the Pride o’ the North Resort in St. Germain, WI.

Russ loved camping and fishing, especially when he could do that with friends and family. He loved to work with his hands and create furniture.

Russ is survived by his wife Rebecca, daughter Rhonda (Darrell) Coggins of Cheyenne, WY, son Reece (Michele) of Sheldon, WI, son Raven (Gretchen) of Edgerton, WI, 6 grandchildren – Jeremy Coggins, Jessica Frankfourth, RJ Kinney, Kaden Kinney, Devon Kinney, and Dillon Kinney, 3 great grandchildren – Lorelai and Kaelyn Frankfourth, and Arthur Kinney, brothers Robert Kinney, Doyle (Terri) Kinney, and Kurtis (Karen) Kinney, sisters Colleen (Lyle) Dietz, and Claudeen Kinney, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents Medford and Letha Kinney, and brother Dwight Kinney.

Visitation will be at Ladysmith Christian Church on May 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Brian Chitwood officiating. Dinner will follow in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Christian Harbor Youth Camp, chapel fund.

Last Update: May 15, 2026 6:58 am CDT