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Russell Jeffrey Novosad
1956 - 2021
Russell Jeffrey Novosad
1956 - 2021
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1956
DIED
2021
Russell Novosad Obituary
Russell Jeffrey Novosad, age 65, of Wheaton IL, went to his heavenly home on December 9, 2021, surrounded by his family. After a magical day at Disney World with his grandchildren, he was admitted to the hospital in Orlando, FL on November 28th with a sudden life-threatening condition. We are thankful for the many prayers on Russ’ behalf and felt comfort by the loving presence of God.
Russ was born May 16, 1956 in Chicago to Andrew & Margaret (Haesemeyer) Novosad. Russ, a loving husband and dedicated father and grandfather, is survived by his wife of 36 years Gail (Hanzelin), his children Nick (Kaitlyn) and Katie (fiancé Jared), his grandchildren Owen, Emmy, Maggie & Zach (who belovedly called him “Beeps”), his brother Steve (Sue) and his ‘very favorite’ nieces and nephews.
Russ left a lasting impact on all he met, always spreading joy, humor, and love; playing good-hearted pranks on those he was close to and lighting up any room with his signature grin. He was loyal to and loved by the many friends he collected throughout his life. Find a friend of Russ, ask them for a “Russ story” and they will tell you ten.
Recent retirees, Russ and Gail spent time enjoying each other’s company and traveling between Wheaton, Fort Myers, and Lake Geneva. When the weather was nice, you could find Russ on his boat with a cup of coffee, reading the newspaper while enjoying the view. Russ knew how to soak up life’s blessings, small and large.
Russ’ greatest joys included his wife and children, Nick and Katie. He was their number one fan, from coaching to calling them during ‘windshield time’ while on the road. Russ always wanted to hear what was going on in their lives, supporting them however he could. Becoming a grandfather sent Russ over the moon. Beeps couldn’t get enough of his four grandkids bugging, hugging and loving him. He was delighted to have a whole new audience for his gentle teasing and pranks and they were delighted in turn.
His best friend and brother, Steve, referred to Russ as his “older younger brother” and lifelong partner-in-crime. You could always count on Russ, who was genuinely caring, faithful and giving.
Russ and Gail were passionate about Norman B. Barr Camp, a free Christian camp in Williams Bay, WI for children in need. They had a summer cottage there and Russ served as a dedicated board member for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his dear Aunt Doris and his sister Debbie.
A visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N Main St, Wheaton, IL 60187, on December 16th from 4 to 8pm. A service will be held at Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 E North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185 on Friday, December 17th at 10am.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Norman B. Barr Camp. Donations can be received at https://www.normanbarrcamp.org/donate-index-impact.
Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Keith Thompson
January 8, 2025
My condolences on your loss. I enjoyed my visits from Russ even though they were long spans of time in between, it was like we just visited the day before.
A kind, soft spoken and wonderful guy.
He will truly be missed, but not forgotten
The Hultgren Family and Staff
December 13, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Cindy Purdom
February 6, 2022
I am so very sorry to hear this! I just happened to look at the YHS FB group and saw it. Gail, please know I am holding you and your family in my heart and prayers as you navigate life without Russ and I know that is hard. I pray that in time your memories will hold him close to your heart and you will feel and hear his laughter and love whenever you need it most. Blessings to all of you ❤
Nancy Wiens
January 9, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of Russ’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at MidContimental Chemical and he was always so friendly & cheerful. He always made an effort to say hello to all the girls in the office, whenever he was in town. My prayers go out to all his loved ones
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Kristen Zeller
December 17, 2021
last year for my Birthday Mr. Novosad gave me my very own name stamp . that was the best birthday gift i ever gotten from him .
Judy and George Mollway
December 17, 2021
He was the best. We had plans for a wonderful retirement with them in sunny Florida. He will be missed. Well have to make sure Gail can find joy with us as her guide. So much love to all the lovely family. ❤❤❤❤
Dorothy Lalla
December 17, 2021
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your dear husband and father. We were friends of your parents and remember your wedding. May God give you the strength to get through this sad and difficult time. May your husband Rest in Peace.
Dorothy Lalla
Linda Biancotti
December 17, 2021
Dear Gail and family,
My deepest sympathy to you. When with the Mollways I always enjoyed yours and Russ's company. God bless you.
Linda Biancotti
Kristen Zeller
December 16, 2021
I would like to send my heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Novosad and family. I have enjoyed talking to him on Mrs. Novosad's blue truth in the car and i told him that i love his wife. Rest in peace Mr. Novosad i will dearly miss you very much.
John Durkin
December 16, 2021
Russ and Mag lived next to us in Elmhurst for a number of years. Russ was a great person to talk to and joke with. It was always nice of him to give my family DePaul basketball tickets in the 80’s. My sincere condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace.
Sincerely,
John and Valerie Durkin
Jill and Ryan Castline
December 16, 2021
We had the honor and pleasure of getting to know Russ and his family over the recent years. He was a wonderful, kind man who leaves behind an amazing family! He will truly be missed!
Ken and Lori Morency
December 16, 2021
Sending our deepest condolences. We will always remember Russ’ smile and laughter.
Such a gentle man.
Cynthia Cahill
December 15, 2021
Always a lovely gentleman with a smile on his face, a joke on hand and a loving, welcoming hug. He will be forever missed.
Paul & Susan Kreitman
December 15, 2021
Russ was a one-of-a-kind fellow. Interesting to meet; funny; somewhat charismatic but always the leader of the group. We are just saddened by his loss but know he will live forever in our hearts -- with joy and laughter.
Lewis Fox
December 15, 2021
Margaret and I were saddened to hear of Russ’ passing. We send our deepest condolences to Gail and his family. I had the pleasure of working with Russ and have never known a more friendly, sincere, and genuinely all around great guy than him. Whenever a new product or service was offered to our market, Russ was typically the first to sell it. A true tribute to the trust and confidence his customers placed in him. RIP my friend!
Neil Stickel
December 14, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Sue Grassmyer
December 14, 2021
Sending prayers & our deepest sympathy to Gail & her family. Russ & Gail were a great compliment to our Maple Garden Community.
Russ always had a smile for everyone & was like a Gentle Giant. Will be greatly missed.
Bob Cox
December 14, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this, I worked with Russ. Russ was always willing to help when I started at MCC. He was always giving great advice and willing to share his vast knowledge of our industry. Every time we would get together he would always have a smile, some new jokes, or the same old ones from last time. He made everyone around him smile. I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to Russ's family during this time of loss.
Mark and Linda Kroeger
December 14, 2021
So sorry to hear about Russ's passing. We couldn't have asked for a better neighbor. He will be missed in Dartmouth Village.
Beth Keller
December 14, 2021
Russ was a neighbor, and always kind and considerate. He will be very missed.
Keith Thompson
December 14, 2021
My Condolences to you all. What a wonderful man. I enjoyed when he would come to the terminal and was not just there for business, but also very personable. I will miss our conversations. Thoughts and prayers.
Julie Williams
December 14, 2021
Gail and family- I'm so sorry to hear about Russ. One day your hearts will be lighter with the memories you hold close. Thoughts and prayers - Julie Williams YHS Class of '76
David Atlas
December 14, 2021
I was a friend of Russ's older brother Steve and met Russell through Steve. Steve was a year older than me but we played basketball together for York High School in Elmhurst.
I was very saddened to learn of Russ's passing and my utmost sadness and condolences go out to the entire Novosad Family. Russell was a great man and so full of life, it's so very sad!
My best wishes to everyone who knew him.
David S. Atlas
Joann Keith
December 14, 2021
We were honored to have you in our lives Russ and our whole family will miss you terribly! May you rest in the arms of Jesus now and one day we will see you again!
Ky Cahill
December 14, 2021
Russ you were a good friend for many years and I will always carry many memories with me. God bless you and your loved ones.
Jenise Crane
December 13, 2021
I have one picture of Russell from our friendship in high school. I think it pretty much says it all - his smile, humor, and genuineness. He gave me advice and I didn't take it! Live and learn, - thank you Russell for your friendship and our many belly laughs, oh, and for the rides in your checker cab! Rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to the family. Jenise Crane
Stephen Cathcart
December 13, 2021
I've known Russ since we were buddies at Washington School,
Sandberg & York HS
Russ was a great guy and always a true friend to me and many others
Shared good times with Russ
and will always remember his great smile & laughter!
My deepest condolences to
Gail and his entire family.
RIP Russ!
Debbie Samuelson
December 13, 2021
Always willing to talk, Russ was a great human being and friend to all. Rest In Peace Russ.
Deirdre Young
December 13, 2021
Sincere condolences and prayers , camp won't be the same , rest in love Mr Russ Novosad .
Sincerely,
Deirdre Young
Tom & Michelle Connor
December 13, 2021
We have known Russ since York high school. He was always so friendly, happy and upbeat. Whenever we ran into him throughout the years he always had that great smile. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies and prayers to the family.
Tom and Michelle Connor
Jenny (White) Pettinger
December 13, 2021
The Novosads lived around the corner from us in Elmhurst when we were growing up and so Russ and Steve became playmates with my brother Tim and I. My parents were also very good friends with Andy and Mag and they adored Andy's sense of humor. After being together at parties, the next day my parents would still be laughing at things Mr. Novosad had said the night before. It's clear that Russ inherited his father's sense of humor and love of people. Russ and I ran into each other a couple of times in recent years and it was really good to catch up with him. He loved his family. I am deeply sorry to hear of his death and I extend my condolences and prayers to Gail and her family.
Jim and Liz Bach
December 13, 2021
A calming force. He had a smile and positive outlook for every situation.
Randy Serres
December 13, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Russ’s family. I met Russ at the Newport Terminal in Minnesota. He was so much more than just our sales rep from MCC! We looked forward to his every visit. We shared our business stories but more than that we shared our personal lives with each other. I know that Russ will be deeply missed, he was genuine!
Mark Nottelmann
December 13, 2021
To one of my closest and dearest childhood friends I will love you and miss you forever. Rest in peace Russ.
Steve Roon
December 13, 2021
Prayers and my deepest condolences to Gail and the family. He was way to young and such a gentleman and friend. You will be dearly missed.
Leo Fanning
December 13, 2021
Russ was the consummate colleague always available and pillar in our organization.
He was my Hero in many ways and will deeply missed.
Steve Holtzleiter
December 13, 2021
I knew Russ for several years while he was a salesman at MCC. Russ would have breakfast with me and a coworker while we discussed business. I'll miss hearing about how the Cubs were doing. I really enjoyed those meetings. Russ was a terrific person in addition to being an excellent representative for MCC.
Everett Osgood
December 13, 2021
Russ was a valued co-worker and friend. I will his phone calls. He always had a joke or a story that brightened my day when we talked.
Gary Lackore
December 13, 2021
Russ was a lively, genuine and humorous character. He had a true sense of who he was and shared it with all. It was a pleasure to know and work with Russ.
Cathy Schweighardt
December 13, 2021
Tom and I loved hanging out with Russ and Gail, love them both and are so sorry for this great loss. He was a wonderful, funny, kind and loving man who loved his family so much.. we will miss him so much Godspeed Russ
Herve Dykmans
December 13, 2021
I only have good memories of you, Russ. Rest in peace
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304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187
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