Russell L. Petrie, 96, of Waterloo, died at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home on Friday, February 27, 2009.

Russell was born December 1, 1912 in Black Hawk County, son of Albertis and Minnie Voorhies Petrie. He graduated from West High School 1933. He served in the US Navy during WWII receiving an honorable discharge.

Russell married Dora Andorf on September 14, 1935 in Covington, Kentucky; she died October 15, 2001.

Russell was a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years, retiring in 1970. From 1968 to 1984 he was an electronic technician performing warranty work for the Lowrey Organ Co. At the age of 90 he decided to learn how to play the organ which became one of his favorite pastimes.

His favorite hobbies were building and flying remote control planes and designing and building wooden furniture. Russell was an active volunteer in his community. He received the 2001 Cedar Valley Mayor’s Volunteer Performance Award; named Golden Apple Member of the Year 1996-1997 for being a mentor at Black Hawk Elementary. Cedar Valley Hospice presented Russell with their Honored Volunteer of the Year in 2006 at a special ceremony in Ames. Russell is also in the American Red Cross’ Gallon Club as a blood donor.

Russell’s survivors include many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife and brothers Ralph Schaefer and Harry Petrie.