Russell J. Lerum

MADISON - Russell James Lerum, of Madison, Wis., died at the age of 75 on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minn. Russ suffered a cardiac arrest just after crossing the finish line of a rowing race on the Mississippi River on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Thanks to the amazing efforts of race volunteers and numerous first responders, Russ was resuscitated but never regained consciousness. His family is immensely grateful to the medical staff of the Hennepin County Medical Center where Russ received excellent care. A 20-year cancer survivor, Russ was a strong and vibrant person who explicitly defined what quality of life meant to him and his family honored that; he died in comfort care with his family by his side.

Russ was born on Feb. 1, 1947, in Madison, Wis., to Norman and Margarette Lerum. A true Eastsider, Russ attended Frank Allis Elementary, Schenk Middle and was a member of La Follette High’s first graduating class in 1965. He went on to attend UW-Madison for mechanical engineering and began a life-long career creating and improving the spaces in which we live and work - starting at Flad and Associates Inc. (Affiliated Engineers), Architects-Engineers-Inc., multiple State of Wisconsin agencies and then UW System before retiring in 2007. Russ applied his engineering skills well beyond the workplace, with lasting impacts at home and across his community. In partnership with his wife, he spent more than 45 years renovating their historical family home, completing much of the work by hand. He was also quick to support neighbors, family and friends with their projects and was always generous with his expertise and time.

Russ was active in his Marquette neighborhood, beginning with organizing the Orton Park Festival in the 70’s when it was only a Sunday afternoon event. He was proud of his work advocating for street trees on Willy Street and his work on the Yahara River Parkway Committee. He served on the board of Common Wealth Development for years, recognizing the importance of housing opportunities for everyone.

Rowing was a passion for Russ and he prized the close friendships it fostered as well as the opportunity it provided to enjoy the beauty of nature while pushing himself physically. He began rowing in 1995 as a member of the Mendota Rowing Club, supporting both the junior and master’s rowing programs as well as serving as a board member, then went on to be integral in the renovation of the Brittingham Boathouse as a founding member of the Camp Randall Rowing Club. Russ loved connecting and competing with others, participating in numerous local regattas as well as at Head of the Charles, on the Danube and the Rhein, and even virtual competitions throughout COVID on his erg in the basement.

Russ’ love for nature and the outdoors wasn’t limited to the water; he enjoyed backpacking and camping with family and close friends, exploring state and national parks, visiting state high points and had pushed himself to summit at least ten of Colorado’s 13 and 14’ers. A rewarding afternoon for him was spending time in the woods sawing, splitting and stacking firewood.

Family, more than anything, was a pillar in Russ’ life. He was a selfless and devoted father and took great pride in his daughters’ independence and accomplishments. He also had deep love for his wife, Jeanne, with whom he shared a great partnership in the family and home they created. They supported each other's passions in their 48-year long journey.

Russ is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his daughters, Elyse (Yier Shi) and Carla (Mike Hamilton); as well as grandsons, Treysen and Myles Shi; stepbrother, James (Alice) Leidel; stepsister, Linda Trowbridge; brother-in-law, John Radermacher (Jean); sister-in-law, Rose Mueller (Peter); and many loving nieces and nephews. Russ was predeceased by his parents; stepfather, Frederick Leidel; and brothers, Dennis and James Lerum.

Russ joins multiple generations of family members who are interred at Spring Prairie Cemetery in Keyeser, Wis. He enjoyed his time living at a nearby farm as a child and as an adult regularly visited and cared for the plots of relatives. A celebration of life in Russ’ honor will be held at the MONONA TERRACE, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022.

Memorials may be made in Russ’ name to the Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Defense Council or the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance or a charity of your choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420