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Russel ‘Russ’ Ralph Hedge, 74

Our hero, Russel passed away after a sudden decline with COPD and other health complications on Nov. 11, 2018, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born on June 23, 1944, in Dickinson, N.D. Russ was the youngest of nine children. He was raised in Coeur d’Alene after his family moved there when he was just a young boy.

He went to high school in Coeur d’Alene where he met Joanne (Fink) Hedge. They later married and had three children.

At the early age of 13, he began boxing. He boxed for the Coeur d’Alene JayCees at the Coeur d’Alene City Hall. The first fight out of three, he won. He held the record for the fastest left hook in the Inland Empire, knocking out his opponent in the first five seconds. He had numerous champion trophies, including a Golden Gloves title. He was never one to brag about his accomplishments, of which he had many. He was well respected by all who knew him and described as a “good friend.” He was against anyone being bullied or made fun of and would stick up for those who were. He was often called on when people were in trouble.

He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, even being asked to play baseball professionally, but his heart was being in the ring. He enjoyed listening to music, playing pool, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends, especially his kids and grandkids who he loved more than anything.

He worked and played hard. He held several jobs during his life and learned several different trades. He worked in the shipyards in Bremerton, Wash., as a welder for many years. He also worked at Louisiana Pacific in Post Falls, Idaho, as a machinist. He later became a saw-filer for a lumber mill in Morton, Wash., where he commuted back and forth for many more years until he later retired.

Russ endured many struggles here on earth and was a fighter until the end. He is finally at peace with the Lord. Friends and family remember him as a “good, kind and generous man” who will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and Ralph; his sister, Darlene Lenz; brothers, Frank and John Hubof of Post Falls; and sisters, Agnes Smith of Post Falls, Rose and Elenor.

He is survived by his son, Scott Hedge; daughters, Laura Kees and Teresa “Terri” (Glenn) McCullough and their mom, Joanne, all of Coeur d’Alene; grandchildren, Christopher (BR) Swanson, Tara (Josh) Saenz, Twins Rodney and Ryan Hood, Hailey (Jeff) Zabransky, Jordan Kees and Connor McCullough; his brother, Merle (Leslie) Hedge of Coeur d’Alene; Mert (Bob) Roske of Pasco, Wash. Seven great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

“A hero is someone who is concerned about other people’s well-being, that will go out of his way to help them — even if there is no chance of reward.” — Stan Lee

A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at the Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third St., Post Falls, Idaho. Please visit the online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.