Verda Russo

Verda (Busse) Russo, 98, was called home to be with her Savior on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Suite Living Senior Care. A Christian Funeral will be held at 11:00 AM with Visitation from 9:30 – 10:45 AM on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Prior Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Foundation in Prior Lake.

Verda was born on November 5, 1927, in Spring Lake Township, Minnesota, to Albert and Ida (Luedke) Busse. She learned the value of hard work growing up on the family farm. In 1943, she accompanied her sister Cordella to California, where she met the love of her life, Emmanuel (“Manny”) Russo. Together, they were blessed with four wonderful children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

After returning to Prior Lake, Verda worked as a waitress at the Shakopee House and as an accounts receivable clerk for NAPA Auto Parts and Warner Industrial Supply.

Though small in stature, Verda was mighty in spirit. She never hesitated to stand up for what she believed in, often sharing her convictions through thoughtful letters to the editor. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always full of life and energy — even to the very end.

Verda took both her faith and her coffee seriously, finding great joy in sharing both with her cherished circle of friends during their regular gatherings “Donut Day”. She enjoyed playing cards, fishing, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

A lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Verda carried on the legacy of her parents, who were among the congregation’s founding members. Her faith guided every part of her life, and she served her church and community with unwavering dedication. Whether counting the offering, pouring coffee after services, or serving on the St. Paul’s Foundation Board of Directors, Verda lived as a faithful servant of God and others — always giving generously of her time and heart.

She will be remembered for her strength, conviction, humor, and steadfast faith — a true example of a life well-lived in service and love.

Verda is survived by her children: Bruce (Darlene) Russo of Eden Prairie, Kathleen Schutt of Des Moines, and Jennifer (Nick) Roemer of Shakopee; grandchildren: Charles (Yuko) Schutt, Rebecca (Joshua) Jackson, Anthony Russo, Mitchell (McKenzie) Roemer, Rachel (Dan) Mozdren, and Roxanne Roemer; and great-grandchildren: Emma Schutt; Thomas, Tabitha, and Miriam Jackson; Malina Roemer; and Isaac and Ella Mozdren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dolores Busse, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Verda was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by her parents; her husband, Emmanuel Russo; her son, Steven Russo; son-in-law, Robert Schutt; her sisters, Cordella (Louis) Tercero, Edith (Ronny) Johnson, and Gloria Busse; and her brother, Clyde Busse.