Russell ‘Russ’ Schandorff, 70, Stewartville

Russell “Russ” Schandorff, 70, of  Stewartville, died on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, of natural causes at Mayo Clinic Rochester – Ssint Mary’s Campus.

He was born on Feb. 14, 1950 in Wasioja  to Claude and Olga (Rubin) Schandorff. He grew up 1 of 9 children in rural Rock Dell Township and attended Hayfield High Sschool. graduating in 1968.

He began a lifelong career in the construction industry. Russ was employed in construction as a truck driver with Rochester Sand and Gravel and continued as an heavy equipment operator when it became Mathy Construction Co for several years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Local Chapter of the 49ers, both in Rochester.

Russ was married on Nov. 14, 1987 in Stewartville to Gail A. Bamlet. The couple lived in Rock Dell Township for a number of years, where they raised their two children. In 2004 they moved to Stewartville where they currently reside.

Gail was a longtime employee at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Russ was an avid hunter who enjoyed hunting with his family, grandkids and friends. He also enjoyed playing poker in the garage, campfires, working on demo cars for the autocross races and tinkering around and doing mechanic work for friends and family in his shop. We will all miss his witty comebacks, funny comments, and jokes we have all heard time and time again.                   Russ is survived by his wife, Gail ; a son, Jamie Schandorff of Stewartville and a daughter, Autumn (Jeremy) Anderson of rural Stewartville; three grandchildren – Tyler Schandorff, Alivia Schandorff and Savannah Anderson; a sister – Cathy Hanenberger of Kasson and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and five brothers.                                          

Please join us for the Celebration of  Life for Russ, which will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2022,  at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Russ are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com