Obituary: Russell Lutman

Russell Lutman

Russell Dane Lutman, age 73, of Anaheim, Calif., died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Essential Health in Fargo, N.D.

His visitation was held Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 6:00 p.m at Evans Funeral Home.

A funeral service was held Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, N.D. Rev. Rick Loewen officiated. Music was "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by soloist Lois Clark. Recorded music was "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Blessed Assurance" by Alan Jackson.

His burial was at the Edmunds Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Lyle Lutman, Paul Lutman, Michael Lutman, Tyson Lutman, Shelby Martin and Matt Larsen.

Honorary Pallbearers were all of Russell's family and close friends.

Russell was born on Feb. 18, 1951, to Charles and Mamie Lutman. Russell grew up on the family farm in Edmunds, N.D. He attended 1st-4th grade in Edmunds, N.D., and 5th-12th in Pingree, N.D.

Russell did various jobs before moving to California in 1972. Russell worked for his brother, Darrell, at Lutman Masonry from 1972 to 1982. He then started his own masonry company, Far West Construction, doing custom homes, building fireplaces, veneer work, retaining walls, etc. Russell was fortunate to have many of his nephews work for him over the years. His nephew, Wesley, not only worked for him, but was always there to help with any repairs, plumbing, or anything else Russell needed help with.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping with family, and playing pinochle and cribbage. Although, he never took playing pinochle as seriously as some of his brothers did. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the yearly family reunions on his childhood farm. He loved to share stories about growing up on the farm, and work experiences, and as a matter of fact, he could recall every masonry job he did. At the reunions, he amazed everyone by always remembering the names of the great-nieces and nephews. Russell was a member of the Moose Lodge 620 in Garden Grove, Calif.

In the last few years, Russell enjoyed returning to N.D. for the tractor treks, typically doing two yearly with his brother, Neil. They spent many hours in the shop working on these tractors.

He is survived by his sisters, LaVonne (Jim) Budd, Jenny Rundblad; brother, Neil (Della) Lutman; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mamie; brothers, Merle, Gerald, Darrell, Charles and Roger; and sisters, Phyllis, Joan and Marian.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.