William M. Russell

William Michael Russell passed away on January 4, 2015 at the age of 60.

Bill was born on  November 27, 1954 in Lancaster, Wisconsin, the son of Charles and Jacquelyn Russell. He attended St. Charles grade school and moved with his family to  Dubuque, Iowa, where he attended senior high school. He later attended  Fennimore Vocational School.

Bill was united in marriage  June 7, 1975 to Jane Bethke. They welcomed their beautiful daughter, Andrea Christine, and settled in Lancaster, WI. Bill worked for the Pink Pony and LCC.

In 1979 they were blessed with a son, Joseph Charles. They relocated to Madison, WI where Bill worked for over 30 years as a dispatcher for Wingra Stone. In 1983, Bill and his family moved to Verona, WI. They spent 30 years in Verona, until August of 2013, when they moved to Cassville, WI, to be closer to family. Bill was loved by, and blessed to have, many co-workers, family, and friends. He was always kind and loving to whomever he met. We often joked that he should have been a salesman, as he could talk to anyone and light up any room. Bill loved sports, tennis, hunting, fishing, camping, ping pong, and trips to Jamaica and Mexico. His favorite passion was golfing. In the summer of 2014, he golfed for the last time in Lancaster with his dear friends Julie and Mike. He was beaming with excitement that he could still hit the ball!

Bill's most precious accomplishments are his children and grandchild. Andrea (Shawn) of Madison and Joseph (Nikki) of Viroqua and granddaughter Marian. Bill was blessed to have his beautiful granddaughter with him for regular visits. Marian Grace inspired his will to keep living and fighting the battle of Parkinson's disease. They loved enjoying M&M's, ice cream, and chocolates. She loved her Papa dearly and was his biggest cheerleader.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Charles in 2013, and mother Jacquelyn in 2009.

Survivors include his eight siblings: Charles, Christine (Kenny), Catherine "Ann", Sheila (Rod), Donnie (Kathy), Theresa (Jerry), Pat (Karen), and Katie (Joe).

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville, with Fr. John Meinholz officiating. Visitation was Monday, January 19, 2015, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church. Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cassville is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Wisconsin Parkinson's Association or a charity of your choice.