Elmer Rageth, 57, a former Russell resident, died on Saturday, July 23, 2011 in Rogers, Arkansas.  He and his family were there on business, when Elmer became ill and passed away a few days later.

He was born on October 29, 1953 in Plum City, Wisconsin, the son of Dale and Ruby (Bignell) Rageth.  He was a longtime resident of the Waldo and Russell areas before leaving the state of Kansas in order to travel and work construction with his brothers.  He was a skilled carpenter who loved using his skills to build homes, businesses as well as other wood working projects.  He will be deeply missed by his loving family and close friends.

Elmer is survived by two daughters, Lisa Schreiner of Russell and Marina Rageth of Topeka; two grandchildren Lillian and Olivia; six sisters Dorothy Litchfield, Marie Gavin, Irene Hatt, Betty Gooden, Mary Doody, Nancy Hammett and six brothers Ed, Glen, David, Larry, John and Dale, also by several nephews and nieces.
 
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Ruby Rageth and two sisters, Doreen and Elaine Ramsey.

A funeral service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with the family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening.  Memorials may be given to the KSU Basic Cancer Research and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.