VERONA-On a beautiful sunny morning, a new journey began for our dear husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend, Russel L. Burgenske, at the age of 95. Russel was born on April 4, 1921 to Paul and Augusta (Paradise) Burgenske. He passed away peacefully at Willow Pointe Assisted Living on June 3, 2016 with his family by his side. Russel was born and spent his entire life in Verona. He graduated from Verona High School in 1938, took over the family farm in Verona and also worked and retired from the Dane County Highway Department.

On June 25, 1943 he married the love of his life and soulmate, Betty Jane Connelly, in Basco, Wisconsin. Russel and Betty would have celebrated 73 years of marriage this month. They enjoyed spending winters in Florida where they established many wonderful friendships that have continued over the years. They also enjoyed fishing trips with friends and family to the Northwoods, good old country music, polka dancing, playing cards, and an occasional day at the casino. Russel also loved his garden and was more than happy to share his abundance of vegetables with family and friends.

Russel loved spending time with his grandchildren and they all enjoyed their time with grandpa. They would do anything with or for him. As his health started to fail, grandpa was so grateful for all the help he received from them. They made sure he was well taken care of.

An additional blessing for Russel was becoming a great grandpa. He enjoyed visits from each and every one of them. He always said, “Ma and I are so blessed.”

Russel is survived by his loving wife, Betty; children Doug (Linda) and their daughter Dani; Joan (Mark) Emerson and their children Jackson, Leah (Neil) Harrop, Nathan (Sheila); and Mary (Doug) Way and their children Bradley (Stephanie) and Jordan (Trisha).

He is also survived by great grandchildren Alexa, Sierra and Erin Emerson; Jace and Tate Harrop; Duke and baby Way (due next week). He is further survived by his loving sister-in-law Gloria “aka Lena” Stafseth of Rockford, Illinois as well as nieces and nephews that were very close to his heart.

Russel was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rodney and sisters Emily Donkle and Marguerite Oliversen.

A Christian celebration of Russel’s life will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, June 6, 2016 at the Ryan Funeral Home, Verona Chapel, 220 Enterprise Drive. Visitation will be from 10:00 until the time of the service. A luncheon will be served following the service at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, 613 West Verona Avenue, Verona, WI.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Willow Pointe Assisted Living, Agrace HospiceCare, as well as Pastor Jeff Jacobs.

Russel was a thoughtful, soft spoken and generous man and he will be missed by family and friends.

“We have lost. Heaven has gained, the most wonderful dad this world contained, there is just one thing that makes us glad, God chose you to be our DAD.”

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Russel Burgenske

April 04, 1921 - June 03, 2016

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