Russell Edward Laitala

Laitala, Russell Edward age 98, of Bloomington. Preceded in death by his wife, Alvina Teresa; and his granddaughter, Stephanie. Survived by 3 sons, Jerome (Nancy), Thomas (Pamela) and Paul; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren. Russell married Enid Lillian Kiesu, the mother of his three sons. He later married Alvina Twite. He has spent the last 25 years with his faithful companion Norma Imsdahl. He attended the University of Michigan earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Mathematics. He played the clarinet in the Michigan marching band. Russell was a man with many pursuits. Having a mind for finance, he was in the first group of chartered certified financial analysts (CFA's). Russell also handled investment portfolios for insurance companies and the Mpls Teacher's Retirement Fund. In 1963 he founded Star-Tex Corporation, a plastics manufacturing company when "plastics" was the word. In 1986 this business was sold to Bowater PLC of London, England. Russell was the consummate gardener, always pursuing a new and better strain of fruits and vegetables. His pride and joy was his apple orchard. Russell was a licensed pilot, a sailor, and an avid hunter and fisherman. The many hunting and fishing trips shared with his sons will be long remembered. Memorial service Tuesday, 10/29, 1:00 PM at the Colonial Church of Edina, 6200 Colonial Way, Edina. Private interment at the Bloomington City Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the MN Landscape Arboretum or Colonial Church of Edina. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on October 26, 2013