Russell Vreim

Russell Vreim, age 71, of Milbank, died Sunday, November 6, 2016, at the Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 11a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5 – 7 p.m. at the church and continue one hour prior to the service. Rev. William Cornelius will officiate and burial will be at Wilmot Lutheran Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Shawn Wellnitz, Dillon Tillma, Scott Hall, Steve Anderson, David Behrns, Donald Behrns, Jerry Ehlebracht and Josh Casey. Honorary bearers will be Wayne Ehlebracht and employees of R & D Construction and Dedicated Logistics Drivers.

Russell Lee Vreim was born on March 29, 1945 in Ortonville, MN, to Melvin and Myrtle (Triggs) Vreim. He attended country schools and graduated from Wilmot High School in 1963. As a freshman in high school, he met and started dating Verdean Ruedebusch, who he married on June 26, 1965. They made their home in Milbank.

Russell worked for Hunter Quarry in his earlier years and then began his career with Dedicated Logistics, hired as their first truck driver. Delivering freight to every state in the continental United States, he drove semi-truck for over 35 years. He also owned and operated R & D Construction.

Russell was a member of Wilmot Lutheran Church and most recently, Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. In his free time, Russell liked to fish and hunt duck, deer, and antelope. He also enjoyed sharing coffee with friends each morning at Trevett’s Cafe.

Cherishing his memory is his wife, Verdean, of Milbank; son, Brian Vreim, of Milbank; daughter, Tammy Wellnitz,(Gary Thornton) of Milbank; six grandchildren: Emily, Amanda, Brandon, Brittany, Dillon, and Kenna; siblings: Alpha Behrns of Peever; Orville (Janice) Vreim of Wilmot; and Robert (Carol) Vreim of Eugene, OR; and nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kimberly; and sister, Janice.