Worthington, MN
Russell James Thiner was born on November 2, 1960 in Worthington, MN, the son of Francis J. and Louella M. (Mielke) Thiner. Russ graduated from Worthington Senior High School in 1980. He attended Worthington Community College and Jackson Vocational School where he majored in business. He then moved to Minneapolis and lived with Chuck Berger until 1983. Russell managed a parking ramp the majority of the time he lived in the cities. He moved back to Worthington and moved into the family home on Nobles Street. Russell enjoyed working with people and so the years following 1998 he worked in the public sector. He worked at County Market, McDonalds and Recycled Treasures. He particularly enjoyed working at McDonalds. Russ loved People and People loved him. Russell wasn’t happy if he wasn’t working. Russell was plagued with physical disabilities; he never let it stop him. Russell joined his Heavenly Father on May 27, 2013.
Russell is survived by his father, Francis and special friend (Nancy); brothers, Allen (Pam) Thiner and Wayne (Donna) Thiner; nephews, Justin (Amara) Thiner and Travis (Angie) Thiner and great niece and nephew, Kenadie and Tayton Thiner.
Russell was preceded in death by his mother Louella, his grandparents and aunts and uncles.
Russell was nothing short of amazing and he touched countless lives. While Russ lived with numerous physical disabilities he never let it stand in his way of experiencing life. Russell endured many surgeries in his life, and reacted to them like it was just another day. No matter how many procedures he had he would bounce back and not show any pain. He was always ready for the next adventure and would rise up to meet it even if that meant equipping his wheelchair for his special needs including crutch holders, cup holders, and radio holders
Russell loved his great niece and nephew, family, and friends. He also loved his sports; you could usually find him watching and recording sporting events or working on Fantasy Football and picks for the week. Russell enjoyed a special time in his life with his Silver Skate friends and he was there often.
Russell will be remembered as being a great friend. He would listen and instill his humor as only Russ could. A man with great courage to fight a good fight with his smile. “He was our Six Million Dollar Man”
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., at Solid Rock Assembly in Worthington, MN, with Pastor Scott Peterson officiating. Burial will be in the Worthington Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington and on Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Solid Rock Assembly.
In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials to be made out to Allen Thiner, which will be going to Mayo Clinic Research.
