Russell A. Gmelin, 90, of Fort Plain, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Russell was born on Sunday, June 16, 1935, in Stratford, NY, the son of the late Ruel Gmelin and the late Erma (Wheatfield) Stalnaker. He graduated from Stratford High School and became a reservist for the Army. He was a hard worker and worked until he was 85 years old. He was a self-employed contractor lastly employed by Hample Construction Company, Newport, NY.  Upon retiring from construction, he most recently worked at the General Herkimer Home in Little Falls, NY. He was Lutheran in faith. In his spare time and especially in his youth, Russell enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. He was a car guy and a drag racer, and he enjoyed going to car shows.

Russell met the love of his life, Rosalyn Hopkinson, and they married on May 26, 1961, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Plain. They shared 65 wonderful years together to the day.

Survivors include his daughters, Brenda Kane and Michelle Turnbull, his siblings, Ruth Leeson and Paul (Joan) Stalnaker, two grandsons, Bradley Bowers and Christopher Kane, and two great-grandchildren, Saphira and Brom Bowers. Also, several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Russell was predeceased by his sisters, Joan and Barbara, and an infant brother, Donald.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Fort Plain Cemetery, 38 Clyde Street, Fort Plain, NY. Pastor David Johnson will officiate services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY.