Russell P. Nylander

Russell P. Nylander, age 72, of Moorhead, Minnesota, passed away on December 17, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

Born on January 9, 1953, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Lester and Veronica (Dahlberg) Nylander, Russ graduated from Audubon High School in 1971. He furthered his education at Northwest Technical Institute, where he earned a degree in accounting.

With over 40 years of experience in the accounting field, Russ held positions at Fairmont Foods, Cass-Clay Creamery, Eide Helmeke, Frederickson Orthopedics, and MeritCare/Sanford Health Care Accessories, where he rose to the role of Enterprise Executive Director before his retirement in 2017.

In the summer of 1974, Russ met his future wife, Laura, while they both worked at Fairmont Foods. Their relationship blossomed despite long distances as Laura pursued her college education in Nebraska, culminating in their marriage on July 15, 1978, at Gethsemane Cathedral in Fargo. This union brought the joy of three children: Sara, Katie, and Kyle.

A man of integrity, Russ instilled in his children the values of honesty and respect for oneself and others. He led by example, empowering those around him with wisdom to make smart choices and solve problems through guidance.

Russ cherished his family, often embarking on vacations that involved a packed vehicle and lively interactions among his children. His remarkable memory allowed him to recount countless cherished moments filled with nostalgia, as he loved to reminisce and share stories.

In addition to his devotion to family, Russ had a variety of hobbies. He played an instrumental role in organizing the annual Cormorant Lakes Sportsman Club golf tournament at the Detroit Lakes Country Club for several years. He enjoyed deer hunting, bowling, playing and "umping" softball, computer games, and listening to music. An enthusiastic sports fan, he closely followed the Moorhead Spuds, the Minnesota Gophers in men and women’s basketball, hockey, football, the Twins, his beloved Duke Blue Devils basketball, and, of course, the Minnesota Vikings. Many weekends and evenings were devoted to watching various games, and he made it a priority to attend as many of his grandchildren’s games as possible.

Russ will be missed by his wife of 47 years, Laura; two daughters, Sara (Kody) Backman, and Katie Nylander; one son, Kyle (Ashley) Nylander; grandchildren, Samantha (Maddison) Block, Kaci Backman, Carina Nylander, Camilla Nylander, Alexa Nylander, Baylee Nylander, Deklan Nylander; one sister, LuAnn Porter; aunt, Bonnie Simonson; mother-in-law, Joy Coffey and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Veronica; three sisters, LaVonne Langord, Lynette Mulcahy, and Lori Thompson; brother-in-law, Charles Robert Porter; and father-in-law, Dr. James Coffey.

Memorial contributions can be directed to Great Plains Food Bank at 1720 3rd Ave N Fargo, 58102 greatplainsfoodbank.org; St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Endowment Fund 120 21st Ave N Fargo, ND 58102; and Fraser Ltd 2902 University Dr. S Fargo, ND 58103 fraserltd.org

Wear your favorite Minnesota sports apparel as we Celebrate and Remember Russ’s Life on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11am in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead, MN. After the service we will gather at Murphy’s Pub in Moorhead for lunch and fellowship