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Russell Hefty Obituary
April 30, 1958 - June 26, 2025
Russell Donald Hefty, 67, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on April 30, 1958, in Madison, Russell was the beloved son of Donald and Betty Hefty. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1980 with a degree in Horticulture and went on to dedicate his career to the City of Madison Parks Department, where he worked earnestly within the Conservation Parks division.
A true steward of nature, Russell's love for the outdoors and deep admiration for Purple Martins was evident throughout his life. He combined his expertise in horticulture with his devotion to environmental sustainability, enhancing both plant life and bird habitats across the Madison community. His handcrafted birdhouses, placed thoughtfully throughout the city, remain a testament to his dedication and artistry.
Russell is survived by his father, Donald Hefty; his three brothers, Randy, Ronald, and Roger Hefty; his nephew, Joshua Hefty (Gabriella); and his niece, Samantha Hefty. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Hefty.
A celebration of Russell's life will be held in the fall (date to be announced). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to the Purple Martin Conservation Association or the Wisconsin Prairie Enthusiasts.
Russell's wisdom, gentle spirit, and lifelong commitment to preserving nature will continue to inspire all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Hefty
.
July 13, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brett Hulsey
July 1, 2025
Russ was a strong champion for conservation at the city and county level. He also worked hard in winter to groom our ski trails. He will be missed.
Mike Ivey
July 1, 2025
Russ was instrumental in making Elver Park the top cross country skiing trail in Madison and was much appreciated by the Nordic ski community.
Craig
June 30, 2025
RIP Gooseinator. Your conservation legacy in Madison will long be remembered.
Taylar
June 30, 2025
I worked with Russ at Madison Parks about 20 years ago. What a kind man, an earnest soul with a passion and dedication for our natural resources. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Madison's landscape is left for the better. I think he was ahead of his time.
Sue Tomaso
June 30, 2025
I remember all the snowshoe hikes, guided by Russ, including Baxter Hollow and Quincy Bluff, searching for ice curtains:)
Dan & Deb Weidert
June 29, 2025
We're so sorry that Russ has passed. We knew him through The Prairie Enthusiasts and his work in the City of Madison Conservation Parks. Our fondest memory of him is from when we visited his beloved Owen Conservation Park, we ran into him there. He proceeded to drop what he was doing and gave us an exquisite tour of the restoration worksite that he and others were working on. We could tell that his pride was beaming - as it should've been! The world of conservation and ecosystem restoration (and we) will miss him! Our condolences for your loss. -Dan & Deb Weidert
Linda Schlueter
June 29, 2025
Sincere condolences to the Hefty family. I remember you all fondly. We watched the boys grow up as neighbors on Everest Drive for many years. We are so sorry for your loss.
Warm regards,
Del & Linda Schlueter
Peter Cannon
June 29, 2025
I rarely go into one of Madison's conservation parks without thinking of Russ. We were walking in Cherokee Marsh yesterday and I thought of Russ while admiring how well the water lilies he planted were doing. Rest in Peace.
John Ingold
June 29, 2025
Whether Russ was living large on a backpacking trip in Alaska, sharing a favorite local snowshoeing route, quietly sharing his passion for the prairie and birds, or battling cancer, it was always an adventure he put his heart into. Rest in peace friend. No regrets.
Mary Stuesser
June 29, 2025
Although I didn´t know Russ in school (I am a fellow Verona High grad) I recognized him when joining his softball team a few years ago. His kindness showed through in everything he did and said. Subsequently following him on Facebook allowed me to see some of the amazing things he appreciated in nature.
Barbara Kehrein
June 29, 2025
I'm sad to hear of Russ's passing. He was a kind, gentle soul. I met Russ through our volunteer work at Madison International Partners. We maintained contact via phone. He was certainly brave in his arduous journey to keep going, despite his many hurdles in dealing with his cancer. I will miss our conversations. Sending all of you my condolences.
Priscilla
June 29, 2025
I´m so sorry Russ has passed. He was a kind, caring person who improved the lives of many. He will be missed.
Joel Jacobs
June 29, 2025
Rest in Peace Russ...I learned a lot from you during our time on the Wildlife Resources Committee. I always enjoyed our conversations. My condolences to your family.
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