Jerry Knight Russell
October 03, 1935 - August 29, 2013
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE – Jerry K. Russell, age 77, died on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He was born on Oct. 3, 1935, in Cordova, Ala., the son of Noah (Bunt) and Irene Russell. After graduation from Cordova High School he entered the U.S. Army and served in various assignments, including a tour of duty in Korea. After being discharged from the Army, he worked for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and later owned his own business. He reentered the military in 1977 and retired from the U.S. Army and Wisconsin National Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer Four. After his retirement he served in a civilian capacity as the State Insurance Administrator for the Wisconsin National Guard Insurance Program. He was a former member of the VFW Post No. 5658, Elberta Ala., American Legion Post No. 44, Foley, Ala., and presently the American Legion Post No.248, in Cottage Grove, WI. Jerry was a past member of Monona Grove Businessmen’s Assoc., BPOE, National Guard Executive Director Assoc., and a lifetime member of the National Guard Officers Assoc.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Kevin (Kelly) Russell; daughter, Karmen (Scott) Norton, daughter, Lallie (Jeff) Greinert; and seven grandchildren, Nick and Kyle Russell, Connor, Hannah and Carlie Norton and Jakob and Thomas Greinert; three brothers, Phillip (Linda) Russell, Clanton AL, Ronnie (Janice) Russell and Rodney (Betty) Russell of Cordova, Ala. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death his parents; his sisters, Patsy (Nelson) Barnett and Janice (Byron) Miller. His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life.
At Jerry’s request, there will not be a service or visitation. His wish would be for you to spend the time required for those activities to be spent with friends and family enjoying other activities instead. A special thanks for all of your efforts go out to the Cottage Grove EMT, Fire and Police Department and the emergency room staff at St. Mary’s Hospital. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
M
mschmid@apwu.org
Other •
Dear Sharon, Kevin, and Karmen,
As a kid, and even all this time later, Jerry seemed like an uncle to me... and you guys like an aunt and cousins. The news of Jerry's passing is very sad. My condolences are with you and your families.
G
gehrkea@kmsd.edu
Other •
Dear Russell family,
We feel very blessed to have known Jerry and all of you. What an amazing family you are. We are especially thankful that many of the Gehrke's were able to see Jerry before his passing. Seeing Sharon and him while we were all camping was certainly an unexpected surprise, and we will forever cherish those last moments we spent with him.
We love you guys and are thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you.
Take care.
Amy Gehrke
KN
Kris Nelson
Other •
Kevin, Kelly, Nick & Kyle,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Father, Father in Law and Grandfather. My Sympathy goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Kris Nelson
BK
Bob & Ann Klinger
Other •
Dear Sharon,
We're so sorry to hear the passing of Jerry. I was shocked to hear the news this past week. I truly enjoy joyed working with him, his humor, always a smile, and most of all his care for family and friends. He will be missed by all and it was most rewarding knowing him, working with him, and being a friend and colleague. With sympathy, Bob & Ann Klinger
KS
Karen Skinner
Other •
Hi Sharon:
We wanted to extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Sorry for your loss.
Paul and Karen Skinner
MH
Melissa Huston
Other •
Dear Sharon,
I just saw about Jerry in the paper and I am so sorry for your loss. He was a really great guy. I was surprised to find out about his long service in the Army. My friend Terry spent 29 years in the Army and retired as a CW4. I’m kind of surprised that they didn’t know each other. I’m sure that they would have had some war stories to share. Take care and if there is anything I can do for you be sure to give me a call.
Melissa Huston
608-225-0428