Russell Radenbaugh Jr.
Sep. 16, 1936-April 22, 2026
NEW ULM–Russell Radenbaugh Jr., age 89, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, at his home in New Ulm, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH Chapel, with Pastor Paul Woolverton officiating. A private burial will take place on Thursday at Mount Hope Cemetery in St. James. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org
Russell is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jane; son, Robin (Lori) Radenbaugh; daughter, Kathy Radenbaugh; and grandchildren, Brody and Chelsea Radenbaugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Sr. and Sadie (Stauffer) Radenbaugh; brothers, Roland (Lavonne) Radenbaugh and Wayne (Norma) Radenbaugh; and sister, Mary (George) Culver.
Russell was born on September 16, 1936, on the family farm in St. James, Minnesota, to Russell Sr. and Sadie (Stauffer) Radenbaugh. He graduated from St. James High School in 1954.
He began his working years as a construction laborer in the St. James area and proudly served in the Minnesota National Guard. He later farmed near Belgrade with his father and brother, where he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Andersen. The couple was united in marriage on July 18, 1959, in Paynesville, Minnesota.
After attending mechanical drafting school, Russell began his career with Gould National Batteries in St. Paul while continuing his training in tool and die work. In 1963, he began a long and successful career with 3M as a toolroom machinist, later serving in fabrication, supervision, and engineering roles. He and his family made their home in Burnsville before transferring to New Ulm in 1980, where he continued working at the 3M plant until his retirement in 1995.
He was a member of the New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen’s Club, 3M Retiree’s Club, and the Sioux Valley Gun Club. He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church.
In retirement, Russell and Mary Jane enjoyed many years as snowbirds, spending winters in Florida, Texas, and especially Arizona. Together they shared a love of camping, fishing, and travel, including a memorable two-month RV trip through Canada, the Yukon, and Alaska. Russell loved to trap shoot and skeet shoot but his greatest joy was spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Many games of dominoes will be cherished memories. Russ will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
Blessed be his memory.
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