Russell Leo Holstine, 87, of Elnora, Ind., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, September 18, 2026. He was born on April 10, 1939, in Cornettsville, Ind., to the late Alton Parker and Mary Ellen (Wilson) Holstine.

Russell graduated from Epsom High School in 1957. He also graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He later earned a Master of Science in Education. Russell was the first in his family to attend college, and his love of learning paved the way for many of his extended family members to pursue post-secondary education. He was a lifelong learner and reveled in sharing his broad range of knowledge with those around him. When time permitted, you could find him reading western novels and other fiction.

Russell taught high school for ten years in schools in Catlin, Ill., and Parke County, Odon, North Daviess, and Washington, Ind. schools, with a focus on agriculture and industrial arts. He sold livestock feed for Moorman Manufacturing Company for 23 years. With his wife, Janet, he made more than 36,000 dovetail drawers for custom cabinet manufacturers throughout southern Indiana. However, his true avocation was farming, both grain and livestock.

Russell was known for his generosity of spirit and wanted those he loved to have everything they needed and most things they wanted. He had a wry sense of humor and always had a story or a joke or two. Janet and Russell made fine furniture pieces that are cherished family heirlooms. He found ways to fix anything - tackling projects that seemed almost impossible and completing them with care.

He was recognized for his achievements in swine production and for raising exceptional breeding stock. He sold more than 100 barrows to local 4-H members, and he took great pride in their success in the show ring. You could find him at the 4-H fair, watching and judging pig shows and serving as a volunteer 4-H leader. He was a member of Rural Youth, where he met his beloved wife, Janet, and he supported the Young Farmers Chapters at North Daviess and Washington High Schools, making lifelong friends with members. He treasured time with his wife, children, family, and friends. Russell never met a stranger, always finding ways to connect with all he encountered.

Russell is survived by his wife Janet, with whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage on January 24, 2026; his children, Elaine Holstine McVay of Morgantown, W.Va. and Brian Holstine of St. Paul, Minn.; grandchildren, Carson (Mara) McVay, Emilia Holstine, and Olivia Holstine; and great-grandchildren Parker and Keira McVay, who were the light of his life. He enjoyed time with his extended family, including 11 nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers, in-laws, and a great many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Andis; and brothers, Ray “Bud” Holstine, Ralph Holstine, and Parker “Leroy” Holstine.

Family and friends may call at Meng Funeral Home, 616 E. Elnora Street, Odon, Ind., on Wednesday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 1:00 p.m., with Tony Franklin officiating. Private interment services will be held later at Sugarland Memory Gardens.

Donations may be made to Rose House, 600 E. Race Street, Odon, IN 47562, or Bethel Church of Washington, 3709 S 50 W, Washington, IN 47501 in Russell’s memory.

Russell’s family thanks the staff of Rose House for their compassionate care and support during his illness. Russell will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Online condolences and memories may be sent to www.mengfuneralhome.com.