Russell Mehlow

Russell Mehlow, age 56, of Albion, passed away Thursday, July 30th, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 7th, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Pastor Bob Kosbau of the Grace Church officiating. Private interment. Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the services. Memorials may be directed to his family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph 641-844-1234.

Born on September 22nd, 1969, in Marshalltown, he was the birth son of Pat Gowey, and later lovingly adopted by Edward and Shirley (Dannen) Mehlow. He grew up in Albion and graduated from the Marshalltown High School in 1989.

Russ had many occupations in life, but one he was most proud of was becoming “dad” to Nate and Lilly on December 27th, 1988. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s he drove racecar at Boone Raceway. Racing and watching NASCAR was in his blood and seldom a race on Sunday was missed.

On August 24th, 2019, he was united in marriage to Glendona “Lee” Ryan Vest. They shared six wonderful, although short, years together before his sudden passing.

Left to cherish his memory are Lee, his children Lilly (Chris) Robinson and Nate Speas; grandchildren Violet and Lyle; step-children Jacob Vest, Stephanie Vest, Matthew (Kiana) Vest and Jennifer (Brandon) Hampe; step-grandchildren Leon, Silas, Hunter, Kasey, Emma, Paeten, Luna, Kinsely and Coraline and many other family and friends.

In death, he rejoined his parents Ed and Shirley, his grandparents and aunts and uncles.