Russell Dean Girard, age 74, of Buffalo, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 21, due to natural causes. Russ lived a remarkable life full of kindness, love, and friendship. His willingness to assist others and his caring heart endeared him to many. Russ was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He cherished moments fishing, building, playing cards, offering guidance, experimenting with new recipes, and always finding a good deal. Dad could fix anything!

Russell, known to some as Dean, was born on August 25, 1949, to Harry and Ellen Girard in Sioux Falls, SD. After attending Washington High School, he enlisted in the US Army. With pride, he served as a Private First Class. His roles as a Utility Aircraft Mechanic and Aircraft Maintenance Crewman reflected his dedication and skill.

In 1971, Russ met his beloved wife, Barbara, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage just three months before Barbara's passing in 2021. Russ embarked on a successful career journey, initially managing service operations at Ford and then advancing to management at Dealers Manufacturing. Eventually, he ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing thriving enterprises, including small engine repair shops, video stores, golf courses, real estate, and more. Russ had a knack for turning ventures into successes and was admired for his wisdom and determination.

Russ and his family resided in Fridley until 1995 and then built a beautiful home in St. Michael, MN. In 2017, Russ and Barb downsized to a home in Buffalo, MN, which Russ also beautifully renovated. The years were filled with joy, spent with grandchildren, friends, and travels. Russ took immense pride in his two children and four grandchildren, relishing his role as an involved grandfather and friend of his beloved grandchildren.

For 20 winters Russ and Barb enjoyed the warmth of Lake Havasu City, AZ cultivating cherished friendships and engaging in various activities. Following Barb's heartbreaking passing, Russ decided to embrace life and fill his heart with friends, new friends, and family. Russ will be dearly missed for his warmth, wisdom, clever sense of humor, and the indelible impact he made on all who knew him.

Russ is survived by his daughter Michelle (Rob) Riedel; son Kevin Girard; grandchildren Gracelyn, Grant, Bailey, and Andrew; his sister-in-law Mary (Craig) Barlow; brother-in-law Larry (Jan) Sieloff, his sister-in-law Michelle Sieloff; many nieces and nephews; and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barb; his father and mother, Harry Girard and Ellen Bruett, and step father Howard Bruett; his older brother and his sister-in-law, Gary and Nina Girard; and brother-in-laws Rick Sieloff and Jim Sieloff.

A celebration of life will be held on August 14, 2024, at the Hanover Community Center, 11250 5th Street NE, Hanover, MN.

9:30-10:45 Visitation with family and friends. 

10:45 is a small service. 

11:30 Depart Hanover for Fort Snelling. We invite anyone who can to join us  for the Burial with Honors at 1:00. 

Memorials in Russ’ memory can be made to the family, written out to the 501b nonprofit foundation called Cancer Runs in the Family.  A foundation founded by Russ’ niece to raise funds to support and expand research in prevention of lineage/genetically linked cancers. Our family has been hit hard by the devastating effects of hereditary cancers. www.cancerrunsinthefamily.com 

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