Theodore Russell

Theodore Joseph Russell III, 83, died peacefully October 26 at the Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff, Wisconsin following a rich life filled with family, friends, faith and service.

Beginning with his childhood in Oak Park, Illinois, Ted’s joyous life brought him to Chula Vista, California, Pittsford, New York, London, UK, Tucson, Arizona, Sarasota, Florida and most significantly, to Minocqua, the community he and his beloved wife of 61 years, Judy, have called home since 1984.

A diagnosis of Juvenile Diabetes at age 6 did not deter his full embrace of life, with his mother Lois and family setting stage for a life guided by gratitude, service and adventure. His deep love of learning led him to study political science at Marquette University, business at the University of Chicago, and law at Chicago-Kent/IIT while serving as an executive at Xerox Corporation for 35 very happy years. But it was Ted’s sharing of his lifelong learning that gave him the most joy. In formal and informal settings, Ted’s life was marked by his generosity of spirit, his relentless optimism and his striving to help others in quiet and subtle ways. Whether it was parenting his children and grandchildren, teaching history, tutoring underserved kids, volunteering at the food bank—he clearly benefitted as much as those he was serving, as evidenced by the profound joy that he radiated and the laughter he inspired. He did all of this in true partnership, thoroughly integrated with his one love, Judy. In their 67 years together, they cultivated a vast constellation of dear friends, providing an anchor of meaningful engagement along with a lot of love, endless laughter and great fun.

His deep love for his children may arguably have been eclipsed by his and Judy’s total devotion to their beloved grandchildren, Eric, Emily, Ursula and Soleil. He was a constant presence at their soccer, softball, basketball and football games, loved kayaking with them and helping with history homework (including a memorable guest classroom appearance as Lincoln). Mostly he loved just being with them and listening to the minutiae of their day as well as their hopes and dreams. He was gifted in his ability to be present with everyone, and make everyone feel their worth. His capacity for love, his grace, his patience, his sense of humor, his enthusiasm and his total embrace of life will be missed by all, but his joyful spirit lives on in all he touched. His final weeks were characteristically marked with both deep reflection and raucous laughter, drawing from his well of faith and relentless optimism, generously putting all at ease with his transition.

In addition to his grandkids and soon to be daughter-in-law Francesca, he is survived by his wife, Judy, his son Joe (Elizabeth), his daughter Anne-Marie, his sister Dana, nieces Deirdre and Stephanie, his nephews Kenneth and Alan, his sister-in-law Dottie, his cousin Judy and countless friends, colleagues, students.

He is predeceased by his mother Lois, father Ted and brother Kenneth.

Ted’s family offers our deep gratitude to Father Jerry Hagen for his guidance and friendship, and to all those who shared your enduring friendship, knowledge, laughter and joy with our beloved TJR. And our love and gratitude to the heroes of competent and compassionate care at Aspirus hospital and Seasons of Life hospice. Their extraordinary professionalism and grace brought great comfort to Ted and our family during this time.

Visitation will be held at 10am with a mass at 11am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 8950 Co Hwy J, Woodruff, WI on Saturday, November 1st.

A celebration of life will be held in the Chicago area on January 10th, 2026.

Ted and Judy have volunteered at the Lakeland Pantry Food Bank since 2006 and kindly request that in lieu of flowers, please considering support this important community resource. In care of Howard Young Foundation, Lakeland Food Pantry, PO Box 10, Minocqua, WI 54548 or at www.lakelandpantry.com/donate

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.