Russell "Russ" Patchen

Russ Patchen, 96, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bismarck Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery.

Russ was born on August 15, 1930, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Lyman and Engel Patchen.

Russ spent his early childhood in Montana before moving to Bismarck in the seventh grade. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1948 and continued his education at Bismarck Junior College, graduating in 1950 with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. He then attended the University of North Dakota, where he continued his education and pursued his love of athletics.

Russ was an accomplished athlete throughout his high school and college years. A gifted sprinter, he competed in the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes, as well as the 440-yard and 880-yard relays. He earned championships in several of these events, and he and his brother Dick were recognized as two of the top sprinters in the state in both high school and college. Together, Russ and Dick helped lead the Bismarck Demons to four consecutive state track and field championships from 1945 through 1948.

In addition to track and field, Russ excelled in football, playing as a running back and defensive back. He proudly represented the Bismarck Demons, Bismarck Junior College Mystics, and the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. While attending UND, he was also proud to be a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

In April 1951, during his junior year at the University of North Dakota, Russ was called to active military duty with the 178th Fighter Squadron of the North Dakota Air National Guard, serving under the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His unit was initially stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia before transferring to George Air Force Base in California. During his military service, Russ attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served with the 146th Supply Squadron. His official military record documents his honorable separation from active duty on June 28, 1952, at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California.

Following his military service, Russ met the love of his life, Mavis Gallup, affectionately known as "Mazie." Their first date began a lifelong love story, and the two were married on October 9, 1954. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, friendship, and countless memories.

Russ returned to the University of North Dakota to complete his education and then began his career with Provident Life Insurance Company, joining the company shortly after college. Through his dedication and hard work, he enjoyed a successful career, retiring in 1990 as Senior Corporate Vice President of Underwriting. Throughout his professional life, Russ was involved in numerous professional organizations and remained a lifelong member of the Elks and American Legion.

Outside of his career, Russ was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, spending time with his dogs, and sharing the outdoors with family and friends. He especially enjoyed upland game hunting, a passion he continued well into his later years. For more than 65 years, Russ shared his love of hunting with his lifelong best friend and hunting buddy, Jerry Olson. Together, they spent countless days in the field, building a lifetime of memories and a friendship that remained strong throughout the years. Over his lifetime, Russ also had several beloved four-legged hunting companions who were always eager to join him on his adventures.

Russ also enjoyed spending countless hours on the golf course with his beloved wife, Mazie, and their many friends. Whether it was a round of golf, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other's company, those times together brought him great happiness.

One of Russ's favorite traditions was his weekly routine with his longtime buddy Jerry. On Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the two could often be found enjoying a few beers together at their favorite spots around town. It became such a familiar routine that friends and acquaintances always knew where to find Russ and Jerry on those nights. Those evenings were about much more than having a beer. They were about friendship, good conversation, laughter, and the many people who became part of their lives along the way.

Above all, Russ was a devoted husband and family man. He treasured the life he and Mazie built together and the relationships he shared with those closest to him. Mazie passed away in February 2007, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories.

Russ is survived by his daughter, Heather Kadlec; grandson, Russ Kadlec; great-grandchildren, William Cook, Avery Kadlec, Nora Wilson, Lillian Kadlec, and Cooper Kadlec; special niece and nephew, Pam Hatzenbuhler and Marc Patchen; and his lifelong best friend, Jerry Olson, along with many other family members, friends, and loved ones who were dear to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mazie; his son-in-law, Jeffrey Kadlec; his brother, Dick Patchen; his sister, Shirley Christianson; his nephews, Rick Patchen and Cully Christianson; his dear friend, Frank Bavendick; as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and countless friends who were dear to him throughout his life.

Russ lived a remarkable 96 years filled with accomplishments, friendships, and memories. He will be remembered for his love of family, his competitive spirit, his dedication to his country, and his lifelong passion for the outdoors. More than anything, he will be remembered by those who knew and loved him for the life he lived and the lasting impact he made on the people around him.

His memory will live on through the generations of family and friends who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.