David Edward Russell, 88, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Monday, December 18th, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born May 15th, 1935, in La Porte to Robert L and Louise E (Loetz) Russell.

 

He was a lifelong resident of La Porte, graduating from La Porte High School in 1953. He attended Butler University and studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where he worked as a commercial artist for several years, before returning to La Porte in 1963 to join the family business, Russell’s, Inc. men’s clothing store, which operated in downtown La Porte from 1931 until 1989. After the business closed, Dave worked as a freelance commercial artist. 

 

He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, La Porte Little Theater Club, and the Land of Lakes Art Alliance; a past member of Beechwood Men’s Club, and a past board member of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra and the Retail Board of the La Porte Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Dave was a talented artist, and he was especially well-known for his clever caricatures. He drew them at the request of people who gave them as gifts to their friends and family members. Over the years, there have been many happy recipients of Dave’s unique artwork.

 

He loved sports and had been an avid golfer for many years. He was a Chicago Bears and Blackhawks fan, and also followed Notre Dame and Nebraska football, and Butler University Basketball.

 

Dave is survived by his sons Patrick (Candy) Russell and Christian Russell, both of La Porte; his cousin Charles Soderquist of Chicago, Illinois; niece Arinda Mueller, of Crete, Illinois; first wife Ruth Ann (Borg) Russell of La Porte; and his beloved cats Felix, Tippy, and Tortie. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Mary Jo Russell, sister Joan (Ronald) Garwick, second wife Pamela (Graham) Russell, and his very special friend and companion Florence Schoof.

 

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

 

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church in La Porte, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center, 2855 West State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350.