Russell Haupt

Arlington Russell Ralph Haupt, Sr. entered heavens gates on May 20, 2011, two days after his 70th birthday. Russ was born on May 18, 1941 in Poynette, son of Ralph and Arvella (Wendt) Haupt. He graduated from DeForest High School in 1959. While a Norski, he earned numerous awards in football, basketball, and track. After high school, Russ attended the Agricultural Short Course at UW-Madison, and continued working on his parents dairy farm. After meeting on a blind date and courting for seven months, Russ eloped on February 13, 1965, with the love of his life Phyllis Rae Thistle. Their romance has been an inspiration to countless people for over 46 years. The newlyweds started their life together on a dairy farm in Dodgeville, where they lived for two years. Russ and Phyllis then relocated to Lodi, where Russ operated Russ Haupt Real Estate for eighteen years. He ended his professional career as a claims adjuster for the State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce after seventeen years. Russ was a faithful and dedicated member of Lake Wisconsin Evangelical Free Church in Lodi, where he served as Treasurer for many years. He was currently Vice President of the Board of Directors for Medina Mutual Insurance Company in Marshall. Canning, freezing and sharing the bounty of his garden brought Russ great pleasure. Dill pickles and sauerkraut were two of his specialties. Countless hours were spent with his wife remodeling and maintaining their beloved farm on the Arlington Prairie, which they purchased in 1981. He also immensely enjoyed visiting with family and friends. His laughter and genuine concern for others left a deep impact on the lives of many. Russ will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Phyllis, daughters Renee (Adam) Weitzel, Michelle (Jeff) Gorman and son Russell (Kelly) Haupt, Jr. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren Justin, Madeline and Colby Gorman, and Melanie and Miranda Weitzel. He is further survived by his mother-in-law Clarice Thistle, Aunt Viola Haupt, three siblings, Dorothy Whiting, Carol (Bruce) Dethmers, and David (Ellen) Haupt, in-laws C.D.(Jody) Thistle, Linda Joiner and Karla(John) Larrabee, several nieces and nephews, and a special cousin John Schoenknecht and his wife Liz.. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Clarence Thistle and sister-in-law Barbara Hook. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Lake Wisconsin Evangelical Free Church, N1640 Ryan Road, Lodi, with Pastor Brian Erickson presiding. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lake Wisconsin Evangelical Free Church, and on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, from 12 p.m. until the time of the services at the church. Life has no purpose until its real purpose is understood: to glorify God.