Russell Leigh Wright, age 83, of Byron, MN, died on Tuesday December 3, 2024 at his home after a long struggle with Parkinson's  disease.  Russ was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1940 to Dale and Nora on the family farm near Sebeka, MN.  The oldest of eight children, he learned his love for hard work and farming.  He was surrounded by his Finnish heritage. His family moved to Worthington, MN and he graduated from Worthington High School in 1958.  After high school he joined the Army National Guard (1959-1965) and attended Worthington Community College (1959-1961). He was married to Barbara Darlene Rogers on June 7, 1961 in Reading, MN. Russ then attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1964 with an electrical engineer degree. He began his 30 year career with IBM, moving to Rochester in 1964.  They bought their country acreage and hobby farm in Byron in 1967. Russell and Darlene raised Arabian horses and enjoyed many years of showing horses and trail riding. They had numerous travels to The Black Hills in South Dakota and the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. Russell was also an avid hobby farmer.  He had beef cattle for a few years, and raised hay, corn, and soybeans.  After retirement, Russ and Darlene wintered in Apache Junction, AZ.  They traveled with their horses for 17 years and rode all winter in the Superstition Mountains and surrounding areas.  They continued to winter in Gold Canyon, AZ after the horses and farm were sold, until Spring 2024.

Russell was cared for, and survived by his wife Darlene.  He is survived by daughters Dawn (Mike) Leonhardt of Mantorville, and Stacy Wright of Brooklyn Center, and son, Barry (Sally) Wright of Kasson. He is also survived by grandchildren Chad (Jordan) Leonhardt, Chelsey (Bryan) Schroeder, McKensey Lancette, Megan Rasmussen, and Emmily Rasmussen.  He is survived by 3 great grandchildren, Harlyn, Marshall, and Reid.  Also surviving are his 7 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a newborn son.

Russ loved his life, he loved his family, and he loved his numerous friends.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday December 7 from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the Byron Funeral Home. A short program will be held at 3:00pm.  A celebration of life will follow at the Byron American Legion from 5:00-7:00pm where light fare and cheers will be served.  Please wear your western attire or farm attire in honor of Russ.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Minnesota Trail Riders Association or Backcountry Horseman Minnesota are preferred.