The funeral service for Russell Clarkson will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 19, 2012 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with the Rev. Linda Helberg officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 18, 2012 at River Park Chapel and one hour before the service on Saturday.

Mr. Clarkson, age 98, of Eyota died Tuesday May 15, 2012 peacefully at home with family at his bed side. Russell was born June 2, 1913 to Thomas and Sarah Clarkson at Kirksville, Missouri. He then moved to Iowa where he was raised. After his father's death, he took over the training of horses. He married Doris (Forney) Clarkson in 1937, and she died Friday, October 21, 2011 in Wabasha, MN. He worked very hard all of his life to provide for his family. His final job before retiring in 1972 was at the Rochester Public Utilities, where he worked for 27 years.

Survivors include his two sons, Ron Clarkson of Austin, Texas and Darrell Clarkson of Oklahoma City , Oklahoma, and two daughters, Charlotte Youngs of Mazeppa and Kathy Ochs of Eyota, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive. Russell was preceded in death by his wife and two sons, James and Robert.

Russell enjoyed his retirement by traveling with his wife, going on fishing trips, and working at the flea markets. He also enjoyed working on bikes for the neighborhood kids, and gardening.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.