Hill City - Russel G. Frink, 92, of Hill City, went to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, December 26, 2013 and he has now begun the greatest adventure of his life!! Russel was born in Mystic, SD November 24, 1921. He quickly became the "Fishing King" of 3 creeks - Castle, Rapid, and Slate. Then Russ met the enduring love of his life in the steam engine in his Dad's sawmill and especially the HUGE Burlington Northern Mallet steam locomotives that ran through Mystic. Russel entered the US Navy September 1940 and was discharged November 1946. During WWII, he was involved in action in the South Pacific (most especially Guadacanal) and was VERY proud of his service aboard the USS Fletcher #445, first of its class. And yes, you guessed it, he was assigned to the STEAM engine room! After discharge, Russel worked in a drop forge in Wisconsin and then in the Homestake Mine in Lead, SD, finding his dream job in R&D with Boeing in Seattle, WA. He worked in radar and electronics for 24 years and helped establish our AWACS program. Following retirement, Russel was blessed to be able to return to his beloved birthplace for 12.5 years before fire destroyed it March 6, 1995. Thankfully, the family was able to move to a home nearby so they could continue their caretaking responsibilities at The Mystic Historic Townsite. Yet Russ' heart was always in Mystic, habitually answering the phone, "Frink at Mystic!" Russel loved sharing his many Mystic Memories and wowing visitors with his historic photos, particularly the photo of his "First Girlfriend", a huge Mallet BN STEAM locomotive! He also enjoyed escorting visitors around Mystic and showing them how to pan for gold, fly fish, etc. Plus those who were ever on a "Frink Adventure" have an experience you'll never forget, eh!?! Russ' geological knowledge was remarkable and he SO delighted in how the obvious facts increasingly substantiated the Biblical accounts. When asked how his gold mining was going, Russ would always say, "The pay streak is just ahead!" No longer so - now he is WALKING on those streets of gold'! Since we ALL live forever and WHERE, is our choice, hoping you will choose wisely so he will get to see you again! A special THANK YOU to the medical staff at the Fort Meade VA facility in Sturgis, especially Dr. Mark Gebbie. Your kind and patient care will never be forgotten! Russel is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pamela; sons, Tim (Gayle), Pat (Beverly), and Josiah (Jennifer); daughters Patrice (Steve), Danita (Keith), Dawn (Tim), and Desirae (Luke); step-sons, Russell (Chris), and Ron (Janet); a step-daughter, Linnea; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at Lighthouse Assembly of God, 256 Pine Avenue, Hill City, SD at 2:00 pm on January 4, 2014. Private inurnment will be at a later time at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Crisis Pregnancy Center.