Racine – Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Thomas R. Russell, 73, affectionately known to all as “TR”, received the promise of eternal life on Monday, January 6, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Mississippi on September 16, 1940, son of the late Ruble and Estelle (nee: George) Russell.
Tom was married to the love of his life, JoAnn (nee: DeRosa) Russell, on December 19, 1963, in Lake Bluff, IL.
Tom was a larger than life man with an enormous heart. He loved the game of golf, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. He was a longtime member of Kenosha Country Club and Heritage Oaks in Sarasota, FL, where he enjoyed having family and friends. Tom had a friendly competitive spirit about him and loved the time spent with friends. He cherished watching his grandchildren participate in a variety of activities as well. Above all, Tom was a family man and adored his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.
Tom leaves to cherish his memory, his love, JoAnn Russell of Racine; daughters, Janet (Jeff) Zimmerman of Racine, Shellie (Bob) Simon of Whitefish Bay, Pam (Mike) Hardin of Lindenhurst, IL; grandchildren, Libby, Lexy, and Jenna Zimmerman, Jack and Olivia Simon, Michael, Max and Mason Hardin; sister, Martha (Joe) Lollar of Baldwin, MS; brother-in-law, Joe (Pam) DeRosa of Hartland; sister-in-law, Kathie Henderson of Atlanta, GA; other relatives, dear friends, golf buddies, and poker buddies too numerous to mention.
In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his sister, Jean (Gene) Thomas; niece, Beth Henderson; brother-in-law, Gil Henderson; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann DeRosa.
A celebration of Tom’s life will take place on Monday, January 13, 2014, 6:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00pm until the time of the service. The family has suggested memorials to Hospice Alliance, Inc.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to Dr. Santarelli and his staff as well as Dr. Bandealy and the staff at Aurora for the love and care given to Tom during his illness. Special thank you to the loving people associated with Hospice Alliance.
JACK & MARY PETERSEN says
THE GREAT MEMORIES WE HAVE OF TOM ARE MANY AND PRECIOUS. ALWAYS A FRIEND WHO WAS FULL OF FUN AND LOVE FOR EVERYONE WHO WAS CLOSE TO HIM . OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY FOR THIER LOSS OF A GREAT HUSBAND , FATHER AND GRANDFATHER . WE WILL MISS TOM’S LAUGHTER AND SMILE AS LIFE GOES ON , BUT WE WILL REMEMBER THE FRIENDSHIP OF MANY YEARS THAT WE WERE HONORED TO SHARE WITH HIM .R.I.P. OUR FRIEND TOM .
Shanna Coakley says
Dear Pam and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We hope you find peace and loving memories during this difficult time.
Dave & Miller says
So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. Our sympathy to the family.
Thomas Buske says
Joann and the whole Russell family we are deeply sadden by Tom’s passing. Are thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tom was a great friend like a brother to me. I will miss him as well as many, many, many friends of his. The picture of Tom is the Tom Russell I remember and will forever. He enjoyed life and family. He was a true friend and I have so many great memories to look back on. Tom and Sara Buske.
Jane Ottum says
I am terribly sorry for your loss, JoAnn. Remember the good times.
Toni Gelb (Lindgren) says
My many condolences to you, JoAnne, and your beautiful family. I feel very sad for I know how much you and Tom cherished each other. I also know what Tom’s girls meant to him and can only imagine what the grandkids meant. You had a beautiful life with a good man. I have so many fond memories of Tom and all of you. My prayers are with you.
Toni