Obituary of Wade Russel Campbell

Wade Russel Campbell, 62, passed away March 17th, 2025 at Solvay House where he received excellent end-of-life care, with his family around him. He was born to James and Nancy Campbell (Saarela) on March 13th, 1963 in Duluth, MN. A lifetime Duluth resident until he moved to Cloquet in his later years, Wade spent many years as a parking enforcement officer for the City of Duluth ensuring that the city’s meters and time limits were strictly observed—whether people liked it or not. 

Wade was a lifelong Vikings, Twins , Timberwolves, Wild & Bulldogs fan. His dogs Parker and Riggs were his best friends and he loved “his boys” dearly. He enjoyed home improvement projects and always did a beautiful job. 

Wade had a sharp sense of humor and a knack for sarcasm that kept everyone on their toes. He loved music and movies. He saw them all and there wasn’t a single one he couldn’t quote from. In his younger years, he was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing. He also served in the Army Reserves. 

He was known for having a particular way of doing things—his way, to be exact—and he never hesitated to share his thoughts, whether you asked for them or not. But those who knew him best wouldn’t have had it any other way. Beneath his blunt exterior was someone who cared deeply about his family, his friends, and his boys. 

Wade was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Saarela and James Campbell, as well as his beloved brother and best friend, Scott Campbell. He leaves behind his loving sister, Sherry Deraas, his steadfast brother-in-law, Steve; his nieces, Rebecca Powe (Courtland), Erika Deraas (Levar) & Savannah Campbell, his nephews Benjamin Deraas, and Robert Gavitt, plus many great-nieces and nephews, Alyssa Burr, and his best friend Denise Patrick Couture. 

In Wade’s memory, take your dog to the lake, finish that home project you’ve been putting off, or yell at the TV when the Vikings fumble - he would’ve done the same.

Celebration of life to held at Chub Lake Park in Carlton, one of his favorite places to bring his dogs at a later date.