Russell G. Banwart

Russell G. Banwart, 86 of Sioux City, IA passed away Thursday, December 3, 2009 at a local hospital.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Revs. Russell Senstad and David Zirpel officiating . Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be 3:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday with the family present 6:00-8:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers MORNINGSIDE Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Russell was born March 16, 1923 in Algona, IA the son of George W. and Leah (Schneider) Banwart. He grew up in Algona then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served with the 2nd Battalion, 18th Regiment and was involved in the second wave in Tarawa where he earned a Purple Heart.

On July 29, 1944 he married Darlene B. Block in West Bend, IA. Russell then attended Iowa State University earning his Bachelor of Science degree. The couple moved to Sioux City in 1953. He owned and operated Comfort Conditioning until his retirement. He was a longtime active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; 3 sons, Keith, Mark, Scott Andrew and their wives; 5 grandchildren; a brother-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters and 4 brothers.