Russel Bloodsworth, 93, of New Sharon and formerly of Aurora, CO, passed away on March 4, 2026, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Russel Herman Bloodsworth, son of James and Margaret (Jobusch) Bloodsworth, was born July 9, 1932, in Eddyville, Iowa, as the 12th of 13 children. As a youngster, Russel attended Eddyville schools and played baseball. He graduated from Eddyville High School with the class of 1951. He began working for a landscaping company in Oskaloosa and rode his bicycle from Eddyville to work every day. Russel was married to Doris Elaine Newell in 1954, and to this union two children were born, a son, Timothy, and a daughter, Danette. Russel and Doris later divorced.
Russel was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed all over the world. His first post was in Lebanon, and later he served in locations such as Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, and Korea. While in Korea, he met a woman named Yong Cha Kang “Rose,” and the two were married in May of 1971. Russel and Rose adopted a daughter, Susanne, from Korea, and moved back to the United States, settling in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 1971. The Army brought Russel back to Korea in 1973. In 1976, the family settled in Colorado, and Russel retired from the United States Army in 1978. Russel returned to Korea from 1979 to 1981 as a civilian before settling in Aurora, Colorado. Russel worked as a Civil Servant in Colorado until his retirement in 1992. In 2016, Russel moved to Oskaloosa to be closer to family. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling in his younger years and was an avid golfer, even golfing into his late 80’s. He had a great group of friends from the Retired Enlisted Association that he golfed with.
Russel’s family includes his two daughters: Danette Briggs of New Sharon; and Susanne (Michael) Kelly of Tucson, AZ; seven grandchildren: Randi Bloodsworth; Amanda (Nick) Buwalda; April (Matt) Molyneux; Dustin (Lisa) Briggs; Tessa (Michael) Anderson; Brittani Santiago; and Jenna Santiago; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Russel was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rose, a son, Tim Bloodsworth, and 12 siblings.
As was his wish, Russell’s body has been cremated, and interment of his and his wife’s, Rose, ashes will be held at a later date. Langkamp Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.
