Russell (Russ) Dean Cooney, 70, of Oakland, Iowa, passed away on August 9, 2023, at Myrtue Medical Center, Harlan, IA.  He was born on February 2, 1953, in Creston, Iowa. Russ lived most of his life in Oakland, Iowa, where he was known for his dry sense of humor, teddy bear personality, and love of trucking in his Peterbilt and Kenmore trucks.

Russ attended Oakland Community School; he graduated with the class of 1972 as class president.

Russ began his career as a teenager working with his dad at Redi-Mix and driving a cement truck. Russ had fond memories while living in Dallas, TX with his brother Denny and his family. Russ worked as a heavy equipment operator in Dallas. Upon his return to Iowa, Russ found his true passion as a truck driver.  He was honored with the 2-Million-Mile Driver award and Operator Of the Year in 1995. Russ drove millions of miles accident free during his time on the road. Following his retirement from Steve Emken Trucking, Russ continued to drive for Transport Service and help a Minden farmer during harvest.

Russ is survived by his sister, Karen (Cooney) Emken of Ankeny, IA; nephew Jeff Johnson of Bellevue, NE; niece Kimberly Diemer of Ankeny, IA; nephew Mike (Nancy) Johnson of Altoona, IA; niece Pam (Trent) Casey of Treynor, IA; nephew Chaz (Laina) Cooney of Altoona, IA; niece Abbey Hutzell (Derek Claussen) of Ankeny, IA; and Audrey (Steve) Pins of Ankeny, IA. He also leaves behind many great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Paulene Cooney; sister Patricia (Denny) Johnson; brother Denny Cooney; and nephew Jim Johnson.

A ceremony to celebrate Russ's life will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oakland United Methodist Church in Oakland, IA. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects to a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many.

The family would like to thank Bruce and Sandy Lumpkin for their endless help, love and support of Russ.

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial contribution in memory of Russ Cooney.

May his soul rest in peace.