Obituaries & Guestbook

Inman “Russ” Russell, age 85, passed away on May 5, 2023 at Countryside Manor. Russ was born on March 10, 1938 in Broughton, Illinois to Loomis and Ethel (Hicks) Russell. He graduated from Elgin High School in the class of 1956. As a young man Russ loved sports and played baseball, football and basketball. Russ began his career as a butcher at an A&P grocery store. Eventually he became a gravel truck driver for Suburban Ready Mix in Elgin. He was a proud member of the Northern Illinois Teamsters Union. He was a truck driver until he retired at 60 years old.

Russ was a lifelong learner and spent his winters taking classes in real estate, finance and tax preparation. Rosemary (Kaptain) was the love of his life. Russ and Rosie traveled to many far away places and explored closer to home on their motorcycle. They took many ballroom dance lessons and were well known at the local Moose Lodge for their moves on the dance floor.

Russ is survived by his daughter Vicky (Jeff) Rhodes of Sheboygan; grandson, Thomas “TJ” (partner Katie Belitz) Rhodes of Onalaska; and brother Roy (Joan) Russell of Elgin, IL. Russ made fast friends wherever he lived. He was known for his great smile and his chuckle. Even as dementia started to cloud his mind Russ was kind and gentle to all who knew him.

Russ is preceded in death by Rosemary and his parents.

The family cannot say enough thank yous to the staff of Countryside Manor. They always made Russ feel like a part of their family and took such loving care of him during his final week of life. The caregivers, volunteers and Chaplain from Sharon S. Richardson also supported Russ and his family through the final months.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to: The Gathering Place, 730 Cty Hwy PPP, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085 – where Russ spent many happy days singing and dancing.