Longtime Decorah businessman Russ Kephart dies

Longtime Decorah businessman Russ Kephart has died at the age of 84.

Kephart was the founder of Kephart's Music, which has expanded to now include stores in Decorah, Dubuque and Mason City.  He was involved with the business for over 50 years.

He and his wife, Lynne, and other members of the Kephart family were recognized in 2010 for their years of service to Nordic Fest by being named as Grand Marshalls in 2010 Nordic Fest parade.

All three Kephart's stores (Decorah, Dubuque and Mason City) will be closed Saturday to allow employees to attend the funeral.  A complete funeral notice is posted under decorahnews.com's "Obituaries" section.  Click on the tab for the funeral notice.

The Kephart family was recognized at the 2010 Nordic Fest (photo by decorahnews.com)