Russel H Evans

Russel H. Evans, 64, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at 1:09 a.m. on February 25, 2026, at UW Hospital in Madison, following a short but courageous battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Russ was born on November 30, 1961, in Portage, Wisconsin, to Chet and Katherine Evans. He graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1980 and soon began his career with AMPI, where he worked as a dedicated cheesemaker until his retirement. He took great pride in his work, winning many awards for his cheese over the years, but farming was his true passion, a path he followed for many years and continued through his love of gardening. He felt most himself outdoors, breathing in the fresh air.

Russ was married to Connie (Joyce) Evans, and together they raised two sons while remaining rooted in Briggsville, the community he loved. He later found deep companionship and love with his soulmate and fiancée, Sunday.

If someone needed a hand, Russ was there. Helping others came naturally to him, whether it was family, friend, or neighbor. That same steady commitment guided his nearly three decades with the Briggsville Fire Department, where he served from 1984 until 2012, retiring as Fire Chief after years of dedicated leadership.

Russ was incredibly hardworking and happiest outdoors. He shared his love of hunting, fishing, and nearly anything that involved fresh air with his children, with snow perhaps being the exception. He was also a gifted cook and loved gathering his family around food, especially on Father's Day, when he could be found proudly standing behind the grill.

Above all, Russ will be remembered for his compassion, generosity, and devoted love for his family.

He is survived by his loving soulmate and fiancée, Sunday; his two sons, Justin (Trisha) Evans and Matthew Evans; his cherished grandson, Jasper; his sisters, Jean (Bill) Isaacson of Oxford and Sherry (Jim) Lee of Portage; his sister-in-law, Suzanne Micklevitz; his brother-in-law, Robert (Kathy) Nodolf; many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Sunday's children and their families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his parents, Chet and Katherine Evans; his brothers, Ron and Kevin Evans; his sister, Shirley Nodolf; and his nephew, Scott Evans.

Per Russ's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will be planned for warmer weather so family and friends may gather outdoors in Russ's happy place, just as he would have wanted. Details will be shared at a later date.

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in early mornings, across open fields, and in the sight of bright red cardinals against freshly fallen snow.