Memorial services for Russell O. Schwen, age 95, of Albert Lea will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 4, 2003 at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dwight Netzer will officiate. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Russell died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Russell Oliver Schwen was born June 17, 1907, to Gustav G. and Sofia (Gluek) Schwen in Cannon Falls, Minn. After graduating from high school, he attended the College of Puget Sound, Wash., the University of Minnesota, and the Art Institute of Chicago. On Feb. 25, 1939, Russell was united in marriage to Verlie D. Cross in Northwood, Iowa. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Russell worked as an advertising manager for the Schwen Ice Cream Co. Russell was in business in Albert Lea for several years as the owner of Russell’s Toyland on Clark Street. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the VFW in Blue Earth, Mason City and Albert Lea, and had served as a past commander of the Blue Earth VFW.

Survivors include his wife, Verlie; sons: George, John, and Todd; sister, Gladys; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; son, Charles; and daughter, Claudia.