Russell Monroe "Russ" Raque

RUSSELL MONROE RAQUE began his eternal journey on April 21, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. Russell left this world surrounded by his family and their deep love for a man who embodied strength, tenacity, and an extraordinary compassion for others.
Born on May 4, 1938, in Louisville, Russell was a devout Catholic who believed in the power of faith and prayer as the foundation for a values-filled existence. He was smart, clever, a planner, a consultant, a collector, an expert communicator, a voracious reader, but mostly, he was just plain fun. Russell always found a reason to smile, tell a joke or to just make those around him feel special and valued. Russell deeply touched many lives in his 85 years of life.
Russell was unwavering in his devotion to his family, demonstrated by his marriage of 61 years to the love of his life, Rosie and their three daughters. He often remarked that any man who lives his life with a wife and three daughters can survive any challenge life throws your way.
He was a proud graduate of St. Xavier High School and the University of Notre Dame. He cherished the lifelong friendships he made at St. X and ND, rarely missing a trip to watch his Irish play football, and his superstitions surrounding football season were legendary.
Russell led a distinguished career as the owner of O'Connor & Raque Company that he successfully ran with his brother, Jack, eventually leading to and selling ORI. Russell was an entrepreneur at heart, starting and selling multiple companies over his notable career in business. He was always happy when discussing or planning what his next business venture would be, but for all the successes and recognitions he received over the years, only one made it to his wall to be displayed, his University of Notre Dame "Man of the Year" award.
Family was the bedrock of his purpose driven life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosie; daughters Ann Redmond (Dave); Pam Freeman (Clif); and Julie Adams (Jim). Russell also cherished his time with his seven grandchildren: Phillip, James, Owen, Joseph, Zack, Samantha, and Charlie. Russell was predeceased by his infant son, Phillip Russell; his brother, Jack; and his parents, Emil J. and Rose B. Raque.
Russell never missed an opportunity to say, "I love you," and lived daily by the words of Father Theodore Hesburgh, "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
Russell was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Hurstbourne Country Club, the Notre Dame Senior Alumni and the Notre Dame Club of Greater Louisville.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, April 26, 2024, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home, East Louisville, 12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243. The funeral mass will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 7813 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40222.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Raque Foundation at St. Xavier High School, or Mass of the Air.