Russell Maurice "Russ" Willis

Russell "Russ" Maurice Willis passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at the age of 90, at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI. He was reunited with his loving wife of almost 60 years, Betty J. (Ziebell) Willis and his parents, Maurice and Ruth (Priebe) Willis. Preceded in death by his nephew, Michael Willis as well.

Russ was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his beloved children, daughter Janet (Willis) Schultz, son-in-law Scott Schultz, and son, Jeffrey "Jeff" (Marie) Willis. Further survived by his two grandchildren, Mackenzie "Kenzie" Schultz and Samuel "Sam" Schultz. Also survived by his brothers Kenneth (Elaine) Willis and Gordon (Carol) Willis and sister-in-law Joanne Merryfield. He's further survived by many nieces and nephews and his special friend, Brenda Nelson.

Russ was born on April 26, 1935, in Wauwatosa, WI. He graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1953. He served two years in the Coast Guard from February 1955 – February 1957. On August 4, 1956, Russ and Betty married. He and Betty eventually settled in Waukesha and loved spending time with their friends and family. He worked as a Dispatcher for Central Redi-Mix in New Berlin until his retirement at the age of 59.

Russ was an avid outdoorsman with a love of fishing and hunting. He spent a great deal of his off time at the family cottage on Washington Lake in Shawano, WI. He and Betty loved being on the lake anytime of the year. Spending time up north was their happy place. They also fished on Lake Michigan and enjoyed the peace of the water. He spent many Novembers hunting with family and sitting in a deer stand up north waiting for that elusive buck. Riding the snowmobile trails and stopping at the local super clubs and bars was always on the agenda each winter. They lived a full life and had a lot of fun along the way.

In retirement, Russ loved to tinker with fixing and selling lawnmowers. He became known as the "lawnmower man of Greenfield Avenue". He loved nothing more than to be in his garage working on lawnmowers and visiting with people who would stop and talk to him along their walks. Dog treats were always a staple in the garage for his furry friends when they visited too. He was a kind and caring man who would help you with anything and ask for nothing in return.

Please join us for a celebration of life on November 24, 2025, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 380 Bluemound Rd, Waukesha, WI. Memorial visitation from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM with memorial service from 12-12:30. Burial to follow at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha, WI.

Please come as you are or in your favorite sports gear as Russ was a huge sports fan. He was a Green Bay Packers season ticket holder and loved the Badger, Bucks and Brewers too. He was a casual down-to-earth man with a great sense of humor, and it seems fitting to have his service reflect that. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or AngelsGrace Hospice.