Russell Nelson Farnsworth 62, Winner passed away on February 24 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 29 at 10:00 AM at Mason Funeral Home in Winner. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00, Sunday with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Mason Funeral Home in Winner.

Russ was born on May 23, 1953 in Winner, S.D. to Lloyd and Ruth (Nelson) Farnsworth.  He was raised on the family farm near Carter, S.D. attended Carter School and graduated from Winner High School in 1971.  He graduated in 1980 from Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, Montana.

From an early age, he enjoyed being around livestock and pets.  Russ worked for several ranchers and farmers in the Winner area and  worked for the  Winner Livestock Auction Company.  He was a very good hand with cattle.  Russ also managed the Elks Club for many years.  He had a beautiful singing voice and sang at many funerals and weddings.  Kenny said he always had a white shirt ready for him.  Russ enjoyed deer hunting with his family and friends, keeping track of area sports teams and the Chicago Cubs, playing a good game of pitch and throwing darts.  He had a good imagination and was never without a story or two.

He is survived by his sister Carol (Harlen) Bochman, brother Bob (Ruth) Farnsworth and sister-in-law Betty Farnsworth.  Six nieces and nephews: Lisa (David) Biggins and family; Brian (Laarni) Bochman and family; Teresa Farnsworth and family; Benita Farnsworth; Brenda (Doug) Dreyer and family; Glenda (DD) Linse and family, cousins and friends.  Proceeding him in death are his parents Lloyd and Ruth, brother Neil Farnsworth and aunts and uncles.