Russell Harold Bestler

Russell “Russ” Bestler age 70 of Cottage Grove, MN entered Heaven peacefully on September 22, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.

He leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, strength, and courage – the mark of a man who faced life, and even its greatest challenges, with unwavering determination. A courageous soul, he fought a long and valiant battle with cancer, inspiring everyone around him with his resilience and spirit.

Russ was born on January 11, 1955, and lived most of his life in Cottage Grove, MN, graduating from Park High School in 1973. He worked in the automotive industry for 45 years. Most of those years with Maplewood Toyota. From mechanic, parts and service Management, customer relations and warranty to being a big contributor to improving and designing new shops. He was respected, dedicated and took pride in his work, his employees, and made countless friends with his customers and all levels of the automotive industry. Russ was awarded numerous trips through Toyota where he and Deb had the privilege of traveling to some of the most elite places together.

Russ lived life to the fullest no matter what the adventure was. Always finding a good deal on a motorcycle, car, snowmobile, firetruck, old school bus, RV. If it had a motor he likely owned at least one of them. Russ loved caring for his vegetable garden, growing more tomatoes than anyone could ever use then making spaghetti sauce to share with others. He loved to dance with anyone whether he knew them or not, sing karaoke (especially Grease tunes), going up to the lake, hanging out with family and friends, bonfires, boating, fishing, jet skiing. He loved to travel with his wife and 2 dogs pulling a 5th wheel of some sort until he ended up with a little beach house in Florida a few years ago. His travels were many with favorite places being St Maarten, the mountains, and train trips.

Russ simply loved people so he started Friday night gatherings at their home. No invite, food or beverage were required. If they didn’t have their beverage of choice he’d be sure to have it next time. Russ and Deb had numerous Halloween and New Years Eve Parties. Later came the Wednesday night gatherings where friends and family would meet for dinner every week.

There were no secrets when it came to his struggles with cancer, sharing his story with everyone he knew. His family and circle of friends gave him strength to keep fighting and continue living his best life.

Family was always very important to him no matter where you were in the lineup you were important, and he enjoyed spending the time together. He adored the grandkids, and they made his heart the happiest. Always making sure he had a treat in his pocket, or donuts for breakfast, teaching them, watching cartoons in bed, playing a game, cuddling in the chair reading a story or watching a show.

Russ will be sorely missed by his devoted bride, Deb. He is survived by his children Kristina Bestler, Dustin Bestler, Nicholas Letendre and Samantha (Ryan) DeMars; 6 grandchildren, Jace, Kamerin, Arai, Koa, Hadley and Ryder; mother, Marge Bestler; sister, Marcia Prehn; brothers, Michael (Louise) Bestler, Raymond Jr (Becki) Bestler, David (Patty) Bestler, and Dwane (Pam) Bestler; Brother and Sister in laws, Richard (Teri) Van Fossen, Diane (Thomas) Breuning as well as many special nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends.

Russ was welcomed into Heaven by his father, Ray Sr.

God gives the toughest soldiers the Hardest Battles. He won the battle and left this earth on his own terms and is free to run on the beach again with his beloved dogs, Jack and Oliver.

Service and Celebration of Life Honoring Russ 11:00am service with visitation starting at 10:00am, Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Crossroads Church, 5900 Woodbury Drive, Woodbury, MN 55129. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at the Confluence Hotel immediately following the service at The Confluence Hotel, 200 2nd Street West, Hastings, MN 55033.