Robert George Russell

Eulogy for Robert George Russell

Today we gather to remember and honor the life of Robert George Russell-a husband, father,

grandfather, friend, and community servant whose life spanned ninety full and meaningful years.

Robert was born on April 18, 1935, in Westfield, Wisconsin, to Frances and Lillian Russell.

He grew up alongside his siblings-Hance, Frances, Margaret, and Helen-in a time when

hard work, curiosity, and community were deeply valued. Those early years helped shape the

kind of man Robert would become: someone who never stopped learning and never stopped

serving others.

On April 18, 1959, Robert married the love of his life, Nancy Funk, in Portage, Wisconsin.

Their marriage was a partnership that spanned decades of shared life, family, and service.

Together they built a family that includes their children Jeri and Charles, their spouses Sa'd El

Dissi and Carolyn Russell, and grandchildren Adam, Itaf, William, Sarah, and Robert, each

of whom carries part of Robert's legacy forward.

Robert was a man of remarkable curiosity and lifelong learning. He studied in many places

including Sprayberry Academy of Radio, DeVry Technical Institute, Madison Vocational

School, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Marquette University, and even courses through

Notre Dame. His interests ranged from electronics and engineering to psychology, business, and

writing. Learning was simply part of who he was.

That curiosity led to a career that was as varied as it was impressive. Robert owned businesses

including Bob's TV Clinic in Westfield and Wisconsin Audio Visual Repair Service in

Milwaukee, and he worked in fields ranging from electronics and construction to appliance

repair and security systems. He also served as a Humane Officer for the Town of Lisbon, the

Village of Sussex, and Waukesha County for many years, where his compassion for animals

and commitment to community made a lasting difference.

But what stands out most about Robert's life is not just what he did for a living-it's how deeply

he invested in the lives of others.

Robert believed strongly in community service. He served in many roles throughout the years

including Elder in his church, founding member of the Menomonee Falls Saddle Club and

the Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin, and co-founder of the Wildlife in Need Shelter in

Waukesha County.

He was also a founding member and President Emeritus of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin,

helping bring hope and joy to children facing serious illness.

Robert served with the American Red Cross as a disaster preparedness instructor and responder,

traveling across the state teaching emergency response and assisting during fires, floods, and

disasters. During times of war, he was part of the Red Cross teams that helped coordinate

emergency leave for soldiers so they could return home during family crises.

He was a Masonic Lodge Past Master, a Shrine First Aid unit director, a Better Business

Bureau arbitrator, and an active voice in organizations like the United Way Speakers Bureau.

Robert also had a love for animals and the outdoors. He operated a hobby farm and private zoo

for more than 40 years, worked with wildlife education programs, and raised animals-

including monkeys that were donated to programs where they were trained to assist people with

disabilities.

He loved teaching and sharing knowledge. Through wildlife seminars, school programs, and

community events, many people came to know him simply as "Professor Bob."

If there was one phrase that captured Robert's outlook on life, it was the words he chose for his

own epitaph:

"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

Those words reflect the way he lived-serving quietly, helping others, and building a life defined

not by titles, but by kindness.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Frances and Lillian Russell, his siblings Frances

Sprain, Hance Russell, and Margaret Dorthmeister, and many others who welcomed him into

eternity.

Today we remember him as a man who lived fully-

a man of learning, service, compassion, and character.

And while we feel the loss of his presence here, we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind in his

family, his friends, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity and dedication.

Memorial Service Information

A memorial gathering honoring Robert will be held at the Grandote Event Center in La Veta,

Colorado, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, with the service from 1:30–2:00 PM, followed by a

reception from 2:00–4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation or The

American Red Cross, organizations close to Robert's heart