Obituary of Roger Mosses Russell

Roger (Moby) Russell age 66, departed this life after battling Covid-19 on February 2nd, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. Roger was born on August 12, 1954 to the union of Annell Hunt-Russell and Robert Russell, Sr. in Rockwood, Tennessee. He was the second child of seven. Moby was born with a loving and compassionate heart, which resembled the love he received as a child. It was the summer of 1957 when the Russell family relocated to the Twin Cities seeking better opportunities. Moby was only three years of age. When Moby reached school age, he attended Mckinnley Elementary and later Maxfield Elementary. Roger attended Mechanic Arts Jr. & Sr. High School. It was in 1970 at Mechanic Arts, Moby met his high school sweetheart and wife, JoAnne Johnson (Russell). In 1972, Moby joined Job Corp and there he earned his GED and completed studies and onsite training in heavy machinery. At a young age, Roger observed his parents and often reflected on their hard work in the labor industry, which laid the foundation for his good work ethics. Shortly after training, Moby entered into the workforce where he was a faithful and dedicated worker. For over twenty years, he worked for Corporate Express as a Maintenance Engineer and after the Staples acquisition transpired, Roger was promoted to a Merchandise Driver until 2013. Moby then became a Repair technician at Northwest Respiratory for over seven years until he was affected on his job by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moby loved family to the moon and back! His wife was his soulmate. And his children were his joy, and his grandchildren became his heartbeat. His love was not just for his immediate family. Roger played an active role in the lives of his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and others. His arms were open to help in any way possible. If you needed a place to stay, guidance, financial assistance, and more, he was willing and ready to step up and help. Even if you needed a laugh, his sense of humor would often leave you with a stomachache from laughing so hard. Moby had a humble disposition which made it easy for people to talk to him. Roger enjoyed indoor and outdoor activities. He had a love for fishing, sports, and music. There were mornings when you could find him fishing on Linstrom Lake, which is known for its variety of fish. A place he really enjoyed. He spent many days and nights watching football and picking teams for fantasy basketball. His love for music was undeniable. Early in his life, he became interested in playing the drums and the guitar. It was more than a pastime; it became a passion. We cannot forget how he enjoyed his Cadillac. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. & Annell (Hunt) Russell; and his brother; Rickie Russell. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Jo Anne Russell; children, Vanell Johnson (Russell), Anesha Russell, and Savanna Russell; brothers, Robert Russell Jr., Rory Russell, Ronald Russell, and Ross Russell; sister, Jennifer Russell; grandsons, Deshon Russell, Cameron Rease, and Calvin Rease; granddaughters, Charell Russell, Jo Anne Russell, Tiana Johnson, Camille Rease, and Dominique Wright; also a host of other relatives and friends. He will be deeply missed. Service 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 26th at Redeeming Love Church 2425 White Bear Ave., Maplewood. Interment in Elmhurst Cemetery. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service at church (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.) A repast will be held at church at 3:00 p.m. (following the interment at Elmhurst Cemetery) To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Roger Mosses Russell, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.