Russell L. Gorsett

Russell L. Gorsett, age 85, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Monday, February 26, 2018, at Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton, South Dakota with Reverend Kwen Sanderson officiating. Burial will be in the Yankton City Cemetery in Yankton, South Dakota. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton. Pallbearers are: Karl Robinson, Bob South, Jim Fridgen, Jon Fridgen, Mike Pellicotte, Nick Pellicotte, and Pat Holzer. Russell Leonard Gorsett was born May 1, 1932, in Volin, South Dakota to Leonard and Thora (Moshus) Gorsett. He was baptized and confirmed in the Volin Lutheran Church and graduated from Volin High School in 1950. In 1954, he married Carol Kjonegaard in Volin and they were the parents of two daughters: Connie and Cheryl. In 1955, the family moved to California where Russ worked as a diesel mechanic at Standard Oil, then driving truck, and eventually owned and operated his own business, Russ’s Truck and Tire Service. While living in California his hobby was driving racecars, and throughout his life, enjoyed watching NASCAR on television. In 1980, he moved to Yankton, South Dakota and was employed at Bomgaars until his retirement. In 1984, he married Eunice Larsen; who died in 2001. In 2007, he married Lavonne Sykora; who died in 2012. Russ loved playing cards, visiting, and mercilessly (but lovingly) teasing his family and friends. He took great pride in his hand-crafted woodworking projects. His dog “Lucky” brought him years of joy. In his retirement years his summers were occupied with tending over 50 rhubarb plants and selling his harvest. Survivors include his two daughters: Connie (Brian) Sharp of Pinole, California and Cheryl Maguire of Chico, California; two grandsons: Jason and Jeremy Maguire and their families of California; Three sisters: Darlene (Bob) South of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; JoAnn( Jim) Fridgen of Alexandria, Minnesota; and Kathleen Gorsett of Volin, South Dakota; special friend, Betty Herrboldt of Yankton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wives. To post an online sympathy message, visit wintzrayfuneralhome.com.