Russell John Ertz was born on March 14, 1972 in Tyler, Minnesota to Clarence and Mary (North) Ertz. He was baptized at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota and later confirmed at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom, Minnesota. He received his education from Windom Area High School. Russell worked at PM Windom for twelve years and also worked as a farmhand for a farmer near Windom. Russell passed away on Thursday afternoon, June 25, 2015 at the South Shore Care Center in Worthington, Minnesota at the age of 43. He was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and video games. Russell is survived by three children, Andrew, Abby and Adam Ertz of Windom; five siblings, David Ertz and his wife, Karla, of Mountain Lake; Robert Ertz of Ruthton; Daniel Ertz and his wife, Theresa, of Mankato; Anna Heern and her husband, Ken, of Jackson; and James Ertz of Ruthton; mother of his children, Christina Bailey of Windom; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mary Ann Ertz. Blessed be the memory of Russell J. Ertz.