Russell Blaine Pietz

Russell Blaine Pietz Russell Blaine Pietz, 94 of Twin Falls Idaho passed away January 25, 2015 at his home at Bridgeview Estates in Twin Falls, Idaho. Russell was born November 5, 1920 in Vesta, Minnesota, the son of Melvin W and Gunda Harriet Thompson Pietz. He grew up and attended schools graduating from McIntosh MN High School in 1937. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended many tech schools. He also received an Associate of Arts degree, College of Southern Idaho, 1972. Russell served in the U.S. Navy from 1940-1961. He served as Chief Aviation Machinists Mate, and served mainly on the carriers, USS Ranger during WWII and USS Midway. As a machinists mate, flew 400 training missions. Served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger in the European-African Area and the Asiatic-Pacific Area. Good Conduct and Victory Medals, among others. After being honorably discharged in 1961, he served in Fleet Reserve 1961-1970. Upon returning to civilian life, Russell went to work for the U.S. Postal Service from 1962 to 1978. He began his career as a substitute mail carrier in the USPS in Twin Falls, and later retired as a Postal Supervisor. Russell married Elizabeth Marie Hove Pietz (born Sacred Heart MN) on June 21, 1947,in Minneapolis, MN. To this union were born three sons, Randy, Larry and Steve. In 1960, Russell transferred from the East Coast to the West Coast, and moved his family (wife and 3 sons) to Idaho. They spent the summer camping their way across the United States in a new Plymouth station wagon and a tent-trailer that Russell built himself. They even had a bear come to breakfast in Yellowstone Park! Camping and enjoying the forests and parks continued to be a family past time. The family eventually upgraded to a motorhome! Some of his favorite spots for camping were Smokey Bear Campground and Luther Heights at Alturas Lake. As a leader, Russell was active in Boy Scouts. He was selected to the Order of the Arrow and later served as BSA Committee Chairman. All three of Russell's sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Russell was a Fifty-year Master Mason, active in the El Korah Shrine and B.P.O.Elks. Lifetime member of The Sons of Knute. He was also an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Twin Falls, for over 60 years. His other hobbies included woodworking, fishing, camping, and auto mechanics. Surviving Russell is his loving wife, Elizabeth of Twin Falls, Idaho; Sister Cordelle Bear, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; his three sons, Randy and daughter-in-law Bobbi; Larry and Steve and daughter-in-law Shari & Grandchildren Chris Pietz and Heather Barker, and 3 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Russell's life will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church 464 Carriage Lane N. Twin Falls, Idaho with Pastor Steve Crittenden officiating. The family wishes to thank Bridgeview Estates and Hospice Visions for the genuine care and dignified manner they exhibited. All services and arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, Idaho. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so at on Russell's memorial webpage at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.