Russell Hale

Russell Sheldon Hale was born on his family farm in Hardy, Nebraska in 1926, the fifth and last child of Russell James and Fay Farthing Hale. He grew up experiencing the precariousness of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and the loss of a brother in World War II. When Russ left home to join the Navy in 1944, there was no putting the boy back on the farm. 

After the Navy, Russ attended the University of Nebraska on the GI bill. He graduated second in his class with a degree in Electrical Engineering and, more importantly, a beautiful wife, Margaret Coen, whom he met in Spanish class. The young couple moved to Cleveland for Russ’s training with Lincoln Electric, and then to Chicago where he worked while also going to the University of Chicago for his MBA. This nomadic life continued for the next fifty years, with the ever growing family in tow, from Chicago to New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Australia, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Connecticut. 

After a brilliant career in business heading up Lincoln Electric in Australia, InSinkErator in Racine, US Electrical Motors in Guilford and Marathon Electric in Wausau, upon retirement Russ volunteered with the International Executive Service Corps (IESC). Margie and Russ volunteered their expertise in Zimbabwe, Egypt, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Margie and Russ finally retired in Marco Island, Florida and then Napa, California. After Margie’s passing in 2018, Russ moved into a casita on his daughter and son-in-law’s property in Sonoma. He spent his last years gardening, traveling and receiving visits from family and friends.

Papa, as he was known to all of us close to him, will be remembered for his love, unyielding support, fierce competitiveness and striving to make things better. “Good, better, best, never let it rest…” Our cashmere farmer worked tirelessly planting gardens and vineyards. He believed in the power of education and knowledge.. Most of all, he believed in family. He loved his family so much and delighted in each new addition. Papa Hale will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and loved him. Papa is survived by his seven children, sixteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Russ to the Immokalee Foundation. https://immokaleefoundation.org/