Russell E. Portz

Russell E. Portz, 88, of Maquoketa passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at the Jackson Ridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9:00-11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church in Maquoketa.  Mass will be at 11:00 am on Saturday at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Maquoketa. Dawson Funeral Services is caring for his family at this time.

Russell Edward was born on May 27, 1936, in rural Bellevue to Clarence and Alma (Franzen) Portz. On February 5, 1966, he married the love of his life, Lois Mootz, at St. Joseph’s Church in Bellevue. In his early years, he farmed in Jackson County and was always ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. For over 20 years, he worked at Jackson Industry and General Thermal. Russell was a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Andrew AMVETS Post #62. He proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States National Guard. He had a green thumb for gardening, enjoyed farming with his family, and loved spending time fishing.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of over 58 years, Lois; his sister, Joan Jess; his brothers, Jim (Betty) Portz and Clarence Portz Jr.; his sisters-in-law, Janice Portz, Donn Ann Portz, Corrine Miller, Vennetta  Mootz, and Bernice Mootz; his brothers-in-law, Harold and Lee Roy Mootz; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Bill, Robert (Judy) and Wes Portz.

 Memorials may be directed to his family in his honor. Cards of condolences may be directed to Dawson Funeral Services Attn: Russell Portz Family Po Box 258 Wyoming, Iowa 52362.

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