James Forrest Russell

James F. Russell, 87, of Sheboygan Falls, passed away on June 1, 2024, at Pine Haven Covenant Home where he was a resident for the past three years. 

Jim was born October 3, 1936 to Forrest O. and Elvera V. (Jefson) Russell in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  In 1954, Jim graduated from La Crosse Central High School. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin—Madison, and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. 

In 1957, Jim met his soon-to-be wife, Patricia Ann Kersten, and they were married October 18, 1958 at Presshouse Presbyterian Student Center in Madison. 

Jim worked as a professional mechanical engineer for over 40 years, beginning at Gisholt in Madison for 10 years before moving to Sheboygan and working at Kohler Company for 33 years. 

Jim was a talented vocalist and began singing at a young age. Whether it was at church, in college or through various groups like the Lakeshore Chorale, Jim contributed his beautiful tenor voice in many settings throughout his life.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, painting, camping, photography, reading and spending time with family. He enjoyed attending all his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and artistic performances as they grew up. 

Jim and Pat enjoyed traveling and visited many wonderful places, such as the Amazon, China, Tanzania, many trips to Europe, a cruise on the Baltic Sea and participated in a National Geographic Expedition to the Galapagos Islands.

He was adventurous, humorous, a gifted communicator and will be greatly missed. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Patricia Russell of Sheboygan Falls; three daughters, Elizabeth Siehs, Ellen (Douglas Christel) Russell and Amy (Anthony) Boe; six grandchildren, Kari (William) Gesch, Rachael (fiancé, Hunter Roeck) Siehs, Patricia (Alexander) McDaniel, Ty (fiancée, Sarah Lester) Boe, Brit (Quinlan) Sugg and Colby Boe; great-grandchildren, Elinore, Della and Audrey Gesch, Levi Boe, Baylie Lester and Beurn, Ciarán, Viggo and Sloan Sugg; siblings, Ruth (Gerald) Orcutt and Mary Abraham; sisters and brother-in-laws, Christa Kersten, Mary (David) McWhirter, Timothy (Carol) Kersten, and Linda Hull; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many other relatives. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Helen Russell; son-in-law, Valentin P. Siehs; stepsister, Colleen; brother, William Russell; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Susan Russell and Kenneth Abraham, Harold Kersten, the Reverend Elliott Hull; infant sister, Helen Lois; and other relatives.

A memorial service will take place at First Congregational Church UCC of Sheboygan on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Jim Hollister officiating. Friends and family are welcome to greet the family for a time of visitation before the service at church from 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00 pm. 

The family thanks the Pine Haven staff for their wonderful care during his time there.

Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin.

For more information and online condolences, please visit www.wenigfh.com.