Brett Dave Russell

After a long battle with small bowel adenocarcinoma, a rare cancer, Brett Dave Russell passed away peacefully on November 30, 2021, in his home surrounded by his wife and children.

Brett was born in Long Beach, CA. Raised in a military family, he moved to various locations throughout his childhood including: Alabama, the Philippines, South Carolina, Utah, and Florida.

Although Brett had an adventurous childhood, he felt that he did not have a truly happy life until he learned of and developed a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. This newfound, genuine happiness inspired Brett to serve as a missionary in the Idaho Boise Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He attended Ricks College where he met Carmonie Peterson while serving as her Sunday School teacher. He always said that he kept teaching the doctrine of eternal marriage until she got the message. They were married for eternity on August 18, 1989, in the Idaho Falls Temple.

He worked seven years for American Airlines but yearned to devote his time doing something he cherished. He determined this would be accomplished by helping others find eternal joy through Christ. Brett took a leave of absence with the airlines, moved back to Idaho, and did the necessary work to become a full-time seminary teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He completed his studies at Idaho State University and graduated with his Master’s on the Dean’s list. He loved his new career working with the youth and often wondered how he became so blessed to do what he loved every day: teaching and testifying of Christ. He loved his students and they loved him. Brett estimated that he had taught over 7,500 students over the course of his 24-year career.

Brett’s first passion was his Savior, his second was his family. He was an exemplary husband and father. He was known for his sense of humor, for never speaking ill of his wife, for slow dancing with her in the kitchen after dinner, and for taking her on a date every week. He taught his children by example and they have never questioned his pure love for them. He faithfully served in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He especially enjoyed teaching, serving, and ministering to families in his congregation. His hobbies were centered around spending time with family: traveling, hiking, camping, water and snow skiing, martial arts, and learning.

Brett is loved and missed by his wife, Carmonie Peterson Russell of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Jedediah (Miry) Russell of Shelley, ID; daughter, Rachel (Marcus) Keyes of Nampa, ID; son, Andrew Russell of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Hannah Drowns of Idaho Falls, ID: daughter, Esther Russell of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Sarah Russell of Idaho Falls, ID; father, George Russell Jr. of Holladay, UT; sister, Debbie (Harry) Caraway of Rock Hill, SC; sister, Suzy (Marc) Puckett of Sandy, UT; brother, George Russell of Boise, ID; sister, Kathy (Kieth) Griggs pf Thomaston, GA; sister, Tricia Tresca of Salt Lake City, UT; sister Rebecca Page of Raleigh, NC; brother, Jared Russell of Salt Lake City, UT; and his grandchildren: Annie Russell, Henry Russell, and Colise Drowns.

Preceded in death by mother, Patricia Russell; mother, Diane Denson; and father, Frank Denson

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Idaho Falls North Stake Center (chapel next to Temple), 955 Memorial Dr., Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Interment will be at Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.