A dear man, departed from us, Russell Lee Joder, 77, of Fort Collins passed away on February 6, 2007. Russell was born in Alliance, NE on October 27, 1929. He attended Gering High School in Gering, NE and graduated high school in 1970 from Fort Collins High School. Russell was in the United States Army. He completed his training at Ft. Knox, KY and Signal School at Ft. Monmouth, NJ. He was enlisted September 3, 1948 through June 27, 1952. He was part of the Victor Company Division, the 501 Signal Service Battalion, and the 7th Signal Service Battalion serving in Italy, France and Germany. He received a letter of commendation for services performed.He married Beth Shotwell in Gering, NE in 1953 and lived there for one year. Then, for a brief period, they moved to a ranch where Russ worked. He then spent 10 years in Sidney, NE. working in construction, as a meter reader for the city and as a fireman. He received the Nebraska State Outstanding Young Fireman Award in 1962. After moving to Fort Collins in June of 1964, he worked as a carpenter for Jean Thompson Construction, Leo Noah of Luxel Homes, Rex Anderson Construction and Homes by Holz.He was the president of the Remington/Tavelli Elementary PTO. He had a long association with the Boy Scouts of America culminating in being the Pack Master of Pack #197. The church was an integral part of his life. He was involved with missions, sang with the church choir for over 20 years and served as both a deacon and an elder.Russ, you will be missed as a husband, dad, grandpa and friend. Your heart was always big enough for everyone. You're with Jesus now singing and dancing and we look forward to being reunited one day when we can rejoice together. We love you.He is survived by his wife, Beth and his daughters, Becky and husband Brian Collins of Parker, CO., Dawn and husband Rick Needles of Hemet, CA., LeAnn and husband Tom Haverty of Bellvue, CO., Ruth and husband Denny Rowedder of Parker, CO., Ellen and husband David Swieter of Keenesburg, CO. His sons Jerry and wife Debbie Johnston of Albuquerque, NM., David and wife Chris Joder of Fort Collins, CO., and John and wife Carmen Joder of Sand Creek, CO. Also, by his brothers Joe Joder of Clovis, CA and Tom Joder of Gering, NE. and his sisters Marjorie Olsen of Tinton Falls, NJ. and Louise Betz of Gering, NE. Grandchildren Eric Murphy, Jennifer and Kimberly Johnston, Charlie and Andy Needles, Joel and Greg Schlauer, Meghan, Emily and Sarah Joder, Wesley and Benjamin Swieter, Jamie Smith and Ashley Joder. He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Ruth Joder.A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2007, at 10:30 am at the Christ Center Community Church, 2700 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins. There will be a public viewing on Friday, February 9th at Allnutt Drake Chapel from 5 pm to 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Support Group and the Christ Center Community Church Outreach Center, or to the Pulmonary Rehab Center at Poudre Valley Hospital in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins, CO. 80526.