Keep on pickin' and grinnin'  / John Thorwardson (Friend)
Russell and I met and became friends when we attended  Anoka Tech in the late 70's. As well as excelling at our studies we found time to party a little and even went smelting on the north shore. I was talking to a musician friend of mine today and relived some fond memories of Russell and related them to my friend. I hadn't thought of Russell in some time so I did a Google search for him and found him here. I offer heartfelt condolonces to all who are missing him. Because of him we have these good memories to cherish.
May God Bless....

Russ's friend and associate,
John L. Thorwardson Close

My Guitar hero  / Tim Jensrud (Brother)
I have way too many fond memories of my big brother Russ to even begin to count them.  My first memories centered arounf Russ making up and telling stories to Paul, Mark and I just prior to bed time when we all shared one bedroom.  I was amazed as a tyke how he could play songs on the guitar, and later had seen him perform many, many times.  His guitar playing always amazed me, and he encouraged me to learn gguuitar and write songs.  I am currently keeping his music alive by sharing his tunages with other musicians the VS Planet, a music website.  Take care brother Russ.  Prayers.

Tim Close

The baby!  / Maria Nuthak (sister)
Russ,  Remember when I was in ninth grade and wanted to watch General Hospital, because Luke and Laura were getting married?  You were only home for a visit, but when you came home, you definitly were top findle.  You turned the t.v. on me to watch the Army/Navy football game.  It must of been around Thanksgiving.  I was so young when you left the house, that I never really got to know you.... that is until I grew up.  I remember trying to play tennis with you when I was going to the "U" and coming over to watch a Vikings game and seeing you cook!  But the memory that I will always cherish is when Brad and I went to the cities to see your band. I was dancing up a storm and you had a hugh grin on your face.  You also played " Proud Mary" for me and I went nuts.  Even though we only spent a weekend together, it was a true bonding moment.  I wish I would have known what was going through your head, but I know how hard it was for you to see Mom the way she was.  For those who don't know, I am going to tell them how you sang Proud Mary for Mom a week before she died and how her eyes got as big as saucers when she heard it.  She tried to sing along with me and Christopher ( my son )....Rollin' Rollin Rollin down the river!  You were a great son and terrrific brother and I will miss you forever.  God Bless You,  Love Maria Close

"Forgiveness" / Jim Jordan (Nephew)

Russ and I wrote a song together last year about forgiveness. I remember the song and the words, but don't recall why we wrote it. I think alot now how Russ and I were alot alike in certain ways.  I got to find out that we were alike in habits and personality. when I was living with him lastyear, we would sit in the living room and i would ask russ "Hey if i throw in the santana record will you jam to it." "put it on the record player" russ would say, he would play exactly like I heard it on the record. "Amazing".  As i sit here and remember all the years of listening to him play his guitar and singing I often remind myself of how talented he was and how i wanted to play like him.  I owe alot of my musical talents to him and I will carry them out next time i pick up my sax. 
                                  "Forgiveness is all I want to hear"
                   Love you Russ
                    JIM  

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Everyone's Best Friend  / Wendy Barron
Russ was a talented man. Many enjoyed listening to him play guitar. At bars, in garages and fields, or around a campfire, he fostered fellowship and cheer. Yes, he was a wonderful musician, but by far his greatest gift was his patience and compassion that allowed him to reach out and help those who needed a friend. He counseled others as they struggled with life. He opened his home to transients, providing food and shelter. He showed me how to look for the good in others. Every man was an equal in his eyes. I know of no other man, other than those who counsel professionally, who has helped so many. As his sister commented, he was everyone’s best friend. Russ had so much good in him that I believe Jesus called him to a place where he could once again provide loving guidance to others. Russ wants us to know that he is now at peace and to trust in Jesus. He will always be in my heart. Love, Wendy Close

MY UNCLE RUSS  / TIFFANY LASTOVICH (NIECE)

DEAR UNCLE RUSS, I WILL MISS YOU. I HOPE TO GET GUITAR LESSONS ON YOUR ROCK AND ROLL GUITAR. OH YAH!!!!  YOU WERE A NICE UNCLE. ARE YOU HAPPY TO SEE YOUR MOM AND DAD UP IN HEAVEN? lOVE AND MISS YOU,  LOVE YOU NIECE TIFFANY

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Little Russell  / Bette Erickson (1st cousin )
I have no idea what happened to all our childhoods.  We were all so close.  Parents die and all of the siblings are left in a limbo no-one can understand.  So many of us feel left out ,now that we are getting close to being one of those senior citizens, and maybe we all are a part to blame for all of that.  I feel so terrible Little Russell had to feel so lost!  I hope he feels good now.  So many of us have not felt (maybe what he's feeling) that for a really long time.  I remember LR playing his accordian at Christmas above the BAKERY.  He loved his music.  I would just like to say to my cousin-"I love you very much and I hope you have found a more peaceful place than here".  Love You Forever Russell, Bette Close

My Big Brother Russ  / Jeanne Jensrud (lil sis )
Dear Russ, Today I put in writing my memory of you. You were always the big brother that I idolized as a child, to watch you play your guitar when you came home from the cities totally amazed me. At one time I thought you were professional, and I found out later, that you were.  To watch mom watch you play the guitar, she was so proud. She always talked about her son Russ, the musician. As I grew up and the nephews and nieces and my own children were born, you were a great uncle. I still remember the first time mom wanted you to wear the santa hat and give out gifts, you kinda said no thanks, but than you did it and after that, you were santa every year. And your nieces and nephews loved you for that. You were and will always be a special uncle to them. Russ, I just want to say that I am truly sorry that you will not be with us anymore. I wish inside that I could have done something to prevent  that. You will always be my big brother that I looked up to even in your death. God bless you Russ, and say hi to mom and dad for me.   Love your number 3 sis, Jeanne Close