Russell Bueling was born April 3, 1919 to Charles and Tillie Bueling, living in Barnes and Ransom counties, North Dakota.

He graduated from Sheldon High School in 1937. He married Violet Bjugstad. They were married 69 years. Other than a few years farming in Greene and Shenford townships and a year ranching in Great Falls, Montana, they farmed/ranched on the Bueling Farm halfway between Sheldon and Highway 46 since 1949.

Russell’s son, Lance, and grandson, Kirk, farmed and ranched with him. A few winters were spent in Mesa, Arizona, but Russell’s retirement was mainly spent on the farm, where he enjoyed working with the BueLingo Cattle he helped to develop. His favorite pastimes were checking the pastured BueLingo cattle, taking visitors out to see the BueLingo Cattle, the Sandhills and Merrillwood. He also enjoyed coffee time in Sheldon and Enderlin.

Russell’s community service included: North Dakota Stockman’s Association, Ransom County Soil Conservation Board, Ransom County Fair Board, Ransom County Crop and Livestock Association, Dakota Sandhills Feeders, Sheldon School Board, Sheldon Farmer’s Elevator Board, Farm Credit Service (PCA) Board, American Scotch Highland Cattle Association member, founder and member of The BueLingo Cattle Society. Russell had been recognized with the Ransom County Soil Conservation Award, the Society of Range Management’s Ranger Man of the Year award, the NDSU Agriculturist Award, the Ransom County Crop and Livestock Association Man of the Year award, an honorary lifetime NDSA Membership award, and he was inducted into the North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2005. Russell was a member of the Immanuel United Methodist Church of Sheldon, Milnor Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. He was also a member of the Sheyenne Valley Eagles.

Russell is survived by his wife Violet, Sheldon; his son Lance (Karen), Sheldon; his daughter, Tracy Jordet, Fargo; daughter-in-law, Ann (Gary) Geiszler, Jamestown; son-in-law Brad Jordet, West Fargo; eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; his brother Arnold (Maxine), Lisbon, and sister Evelyn Larson, Lisbon, ND and sister-in-law Kathy Bueling, Fargo. He was preceded in death by his son Merrill; his brothers Alfred and Leslie, and his sisters Violet, Florence, Lucille, Lois, Laverne and Dora.