Russ was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, where he attended an American Baptist Church.  Russ remembers making his first spiritual commitment at the age of nine.  At the age of 16 he consecrated himself to the Lord and Christian service.  He moved to SIoux Falls in 1981 to attend the University of Sioux Falls, where he majored in Church Music.  While attending USF Russ met Cheryl and they married on June 9, 1984.

During his senior year, Russ began working at Crossroads Book & Music, and Cheryl found employment at the Christian Center Elementary.  Feeling called to serve God through the bookstore ministry, Russ continued to work at the store following graduation until in 1996, when he and Cheryl were presented with the opportunity to purchase the store.  Cheryl and Russ now partner together in the ministry at Crossroads.

In 1991, Russ received his Master of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota.  One of Russ' hobbies is composing.  He has had approximately 12 songs published.  He began to serve as Directory of Music and Worship at Linwood in 2009.

Russ and Cheryl have two children - Chris (1989) and Kelli (1992).