Obituary of Russell J. Ware

Russell J Ware passed away on March 9, 2022, at the age of 70, in Iowa City, IA. His battle with serious medical issues this last year got the best of him, but he did not go without a fight and on his terms. He left us serenaded by a beautiful musician and high as a kite (safely medicated). Russ was fortunate to have a lovely childhood with his parents and older sister in Indiana, where he was born on May 19, 1951. He moved to Southern California, where he graduated from Troy High School and Cal State Fullerton, met his wife, Dixie and had two amazing kids. He thrived as a real estate agent in Fullerton, where he worked with his dad. Russ loved music and was a bassist in his band throughout his younger years. He prized the horses and was often seen with his daughter in tow, each Friday evening at Los Alamitos. He treasured his muscle cars and enjoyed playing the mechanic with his kids as his helpers. Russ had a marvelous sense of humor, was witty, charismatic, and an extraordinarily loving father. He moved to Iowa 20 years ago to be closer to his daughter, who was with him when he passed. Russ was preceded by death: father, step-mother, mother, and sister. He is survived by his daughter, Brandie Richmann (JD), grandchildren Madelyn, and Jackson, and son, Russell Ware (Stacey), grandchildren, Liz, Connor, Brie, and Bren; nephews, Mike Mangione and Chris Mangione, and niece, Angel Hannold; minder daughter, Amy Gosnell and Russ’s former wife, Dixie Martin.