Celebrating 100th birthday

Longtime Carlton County resident Russ Plaisted was saluted by family, friends and neighbors at a birthday gathering Sunday, Nov. 2, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Esko. Russ was born Nov. 5, 1924 in Duluth. His parents were Elder and Genevieve Plaisted.

He and his wife Dorothy lived in Esko 18 years, then on the Iron Range 18 years, then back to Esko, and are now settled in Cloquet. Dorothy was 93 on April 5. The couple has another milestone pending when they will celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary on June 6, 2025.

Russ is the oldest of 3 children. And he was no stranger to work - cutting wood for hire and shoveling snow at age 8.

In the US Navy during World War II, Plaisted was stationed in the South Pacific for three years, beginning on June 28, 1943. Afterward, Russ returned to Duluth. During his adult work life he was an electrician.

When quizzed on his thoughts about longevity, Russ had an answer similar to the late comedian George Burns, who lived to be 100. "I just kept breathing," Russ said. He thinks both his diet and attitude contributed to his hitting the century mark.

"I try to take one day at a time and not get too excited about things, especially what I cannot change," he said.

He and Dorothy maintained a large garden until a few years ago. Russ conveyed that he eats a lot of fruits and vegetables and not too much meat or sugar. He was never a smoker and may have a glass of wine on occasion. Russ continues to be an avid reader, often finishing five books per week.

"I also did lots of walking," he said.