Russell C. Marsh

Eden Prairie High School Class of 1962 has lost a classmate. Russell Marsh died on March 3, 2025, of a heart attack while exercising at his gym in Rifle, Colorado. He had been very active up until his death. He and his wife Cathy had recently purchased a new home and land on Rifle Creek, and they were about to head down to Arizona for their winter getaway.

Russ was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1944. He grew up in Eden Prairie on the farm his father, Russell Marsh Sr., bought in 1951 from William Holasek, which is now the Cardinal Creek development. The family lived in Anchorage, Alaska, for several years before returning to Eden Prairie in 1958.

Russ graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul in 1966 with a degree in business administration. While there, he joined “The Flying Scots” and decided to pursue a flying career. He flew for United Airlines until his retirement.

While on vacation during his career, he really enjoyed the beauty of Colorado, where he met his wife, Cathy. They bought a ranch on a mesa above the town of Rifle, where they raised a wonderful son and two lovely daughters.

Russ loved his life as a cowboy and farmer while continuing to fly for United. On his ranch, he raised horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, including guinea hens and peacocks. He always had a well-trained border collie at his side as he rode his horse, rounding up livestock.

As an active elder in Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Rifle, Russ not only helped to build the structure but also stood up to fill in while the congregation awaited a new minister. 

Russ will be phenomenally missed by his family, friends and entire community.