Hugh E. Russell

MADISON-The"Greatest Generation" lost one of its finest when Hugh Russell passed away on Sunday June 13. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce (Schultz); 4 children: Elizabeth (James) Thomas, Jay (Dana) Russell, Sharon (Allan) Bricker and Sue (Ben) Schwenn; and 10 grandchildren: Mike, Steph, Charlie, John and Veronica Thomas; Nicole Russell; Amelie and Marielle Bricker; and Derrick and Brandon Schwenn. He is preceded in death by his father, Harold "Doc" Russell and mother, Agnes (Horen) Russell. A man of infinite patience who told and appreciated a good joke, Hugh will be remembered as a kind man who rarely spoke in anger. Born in Oshkosh Sept. 13, 1924, Hugh lived with his father and paternal grandparents until he joined the army and served in WWII European Sector. Like many of his peers, Hugh took advantage of the GI bill to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he served as a Housefellow and earned his law degree in 1952. Joining the State of Wisconsin as a Workers Compensation examiner, Hugh had advanced to Deputy Administrator by his retirement 1986. During his tenure with the state, Hugh made his mark by improving the Workers Compensation laws to better the conditions for all working people. Upon his retirement, Hugh was immediately engaged by the Milwaukee law firm of Kasdorf, Lewis and Swietlik due to his vast knowledge and experience in the workers compensation field. For the next 15 years, Hugh made a twice weekly trip to Milwaukee and earned the family moniker of "The Porch Elf" for dropping off packages in the early mornings on the front porch of daughter Beth's home. A lifelong Packer and Badger fan, Hugh and wife Joyce, got their first Badger season tickets in the mid 60's and hold them to this day. Along with his extensive traveling to France to visit his daughter's family, Hugh and Joyce toured Europe including several trips to Ireland, made annual visits to Hawaii, and saw Badger Rose Bowl victories in 1994 and 2000. Hugh loved his home in the Hill Farms and he loved his family. He served his community as PTA president, as a member of the Elks Club, as a board member of Skaalen retirement community, as a volunteer at Meriter Hospital, as an usher at Bethel Lutheran Church, as a charter member of SAIL (Support for Active Independent Lives) and in a bazillion other ways that we may never know about. His family loves him and will miss his gentle humor and kind ways. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 18, 2010 at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton with the Revered Curtis Everson presiding. Burial will be in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 17, 2010 and also on Friday from Noon until the time of the service at the funeral home. Special thanks to the staff at Meriter Hospital and Hospice Care for their help and support the last few weeks. In lieu of flowers, please honor Hugh's memory with a donation to one of these charities: SAIL (Support for Active Independent Lives), 6201Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705;Hugh and Joyce were charter members of this organization which assists seniors in living active lives in their homes; Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703-2109, designated for Bethel Horizons Camperships or Media Ministries. Hugh and Joyce gave children theopportunity to go to a nature summer camp and watched Bethel broadcast services when they were not able to attend church.American Red Cross-Badger Chapter, 4860 Sheboygan Ave.,Madison, WI 53705-0905. Hugh supported the Red Cross for many years. Acharity of your choosing may be used as well. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please honor Hugh's memory with a donation to one of these charities: SAIL (Support for Active Independent Lives), 6201Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705; Hugh and Joyce were charter members of this organization which assists seniors in living active lives in their homes; Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703-2109, designated for Bethel Horizons Camperships or Media Ministries. Hugh and Joyce gave children the opportunity to go to a nature summer camp and watched Bethel broadcast services when they were not able to attend church. American Red Cross-Badger Chapter, 4860 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI 53705-0905. Hugh supported the Red Cross for many years. A charity of your choosing may be used as well. Cemetery: Burial will be in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison Visitation: Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 17, 2010 and also on Friday from Noon until the time of the service at the funeral home. Service: Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 18, 2010 at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton with the Revered Curtis Everson presiding