Russell Nelson

Russell Nelson

April 07, 1933 - February 10, 2022

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Obituary

Rio/DeForest - Russell J. Nelson, age 88, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born on April 7, 1933, in Racine, WI, the son of Russell F. and Theresa M. (Reinhofer) Nelson. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1951. During High School he met Rosemary Vassh, the love of his life. He began his military career enlisting in the Air Force at the age of 18 during the Korean war. Russell (Russ) and Rosemary became engaged before he deployed. Russ was stationed in France at the Laon Air Force base.

Russ and Rosemary were married on Oct. 7th, 1953, at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Laon, France, during his deployment. The couple lived in France for three years and had two children during this time. They returned to Wisconsin in 1956, settling in the DeForest area where they had four more children. Russ was stationed at Truax Field in Madison, WI. He retired from the Air Force in April 1961, with 9 years of service.

Russ began his career as an Investigator for the State of Wisconsin in 1961. During the 1970’s Russ gained a college Degree in Criminal Justice. From 1967-1971 he worked as a Special Agent for the Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

In 1971, he was promoted to Director of DCI, working special assignments for the Major Crime unit. He spent 18 years as Director. In 1976 he created and instructed a twice yearly, 2-week Death Investigation school, leading instruction for 13 years. The school continues on to this day and has brought unity between departments and thousands of law enforcement officers and agents across the state of Wisconsin. He retired in 1989, with 28 years as a State of Wisconsin employee.

After retirement Russ worked a few less stressful jobs allowing him to continue to travel throughout the state. Employed with Spinelli and Associates as a Private Investigator, and later as an Interviewer for Research Triangle Institute. He retired again in 2003 at the age of 70.

In 1997 Russ and Rosemary (Roni) moved from DeForest to rural Rio, WI where they purchased and developed a property they called “Century Oaks”. The setting provided peace and solitude in retirement, where he took pride in maintaining the grounds and many trails. The property also included a well-groomed fairway where Russ could enjoy his passion for golf. Many fond family memories were made enjoying ice cream (his favorite treat), hitting a bucket of golf balls and instructing eager grandchildren how to “earn” their golf cart driving license. Century Oaks became a favorite gathering place for many family celebrations.

Russ enjoyed following current events and had a wealth of knowledge from his life experiences. He was a natural leader, exceptional listener, and mentor. He enjoyed offering advice and supporting his children and grandchildren to achieve their goals.

He is survived by his children: Dain (Carol) of Naperville, IL. Katherine (Keith) Popp of DeForest, WI, Dale (Rose) of Oxford, WI, Karen (Jeff) Durst of DeForest, WI and Derek (Christi) of Hudson, WI; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister LaVerne Puchter of Ocontomowoc, WI and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Russ enjoyed his cats: Tabby Sam and Mr. Boots which gave him comfort and companionship. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary (Roni), his infant son, Wayne, his Parents, and Brother-in-Law, Richard Puchter.

Russ’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to recent visitors to his home, including (now retired) DCI colleagues Gary Hamlin, John Schulz, and Dave Collins. Also, many thanks to his supportive niece Kim Scholz. And lastly, thank you to the Agrace hospice team for their compassionate care.

Together, Russell and Rosemary were lifelong devout Catholics and lived their
lives with a set of beliefs, values and traditions that has defined their legacy.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Olaf Catholic Church, with Fr. Jared Holzhuter and Fr. Kumud Chandra Nayak presiding. Burial will be held at St. Olaf Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made (in Russell Nelson’s name) to St. Olaf Catholic Church for grounds/cemetery enhancements.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250

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David Collins
Other •
To the Family of Russ Nelson,My thoughts and prayers are with you. Russ was my coworker, neighbor, fellow parishioner, mentor and most importantly my friend. He no doubt was a loving husband and father, but he also had a positive impact on so many other lives. Russ was dedicated to protecting the citizens and communities of Wisconsin as a Special Agent. As a Director with the Division of Criminal Investigation, he led the way in providing the very best training programs for local, state and federal law enforcement officers. It was an honor to have served with him. His legacy and leadership will be long remembered.Sincerely, David Collins
JK
Janet L Krueger
Other •
To all the Nelson family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful man of many achievements, especially his remarkable family - all of whom are wonderful people, caring and loving to all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. God's blessing to you all.Janet (Gasser) Krueger and family.
NS
nick spinelli
Other •
Dear Kathy and Nelson family,Firstly, my sympathies for the loss of Roni as well as Russ. They were a great couple and a template for their children's marriages. I learned much from Russ and would have Russ take over when I was out of town or on vacation. The peace of mind having a wise, classy, man at the helm was invaluable. Russ spoke lovingly of all his children. He provided me with sage advice, the best being suggesting I hire his daughter, Kathy. We live in the Twin Cities and spend winters in San Diego, which is where I pen this tribute. I never pray for the dead, believing they are with the Good Lord. I pray for the living, as they are suffering. Russ's suffering is over. Nick Spinelli
JJ
Jim Jenkins
Other •
When I was a young agent at DCI Russ was my acting supervisor while my boss was on vacation. I had a complex case that I was preparing for prosecution and I turned it in to Russ for review. He called me in and told me that the final report needed work. We spent the next several hours going over it line by line, and he very patiently taught me not only how to organize a large report but how to organize my approach to other complex cases in the future. It was an enormous help throughout the rest of my career, and years later, when I was an investigation supervisor, I sat down with one of my agents and went through his case as Russ had mine, and basically did the same thing, while thinking of Russ through it all. I wish now that Id take the time to tell Russ about how much he added to my career by caring enough to work with a young agent, when he wasnt even my actual supervisor. I know he did the same thing for many others at DCI. He truly cared about his work and the people he led.
AH
Albert Hadady
Other •
Russ married my cousin Rosemary so I've know him since I was a kid in school. I always enjoyed talking to Russ and Rosemary when they'd come to Racine for family visits. I always thought he was very intelligent. We exchanged Christmas cards for many years except for this past Christmas, because of medical issues which did not allow me time to send cards. I would like to send my sincere sympathy to the whole Nelson family from your Racine cousin.
BL
Bill Lundy
Other •
Russ wasn't a director yet when a group of young ( and some not so young) investigators came on board in early '70. He was a really good investigator and a leader who young agents could look up to. FAM, our administrator recognized Russ as good Director material and so be it, Russ began the job as Director of what the young agents thought of as the Homicide Unit or "General Investigations." He was inventive and task oriented. He loved his work and I don't think he wanted to jump up the ladder as much as he wanted to make his Unit the best that it could be; Trained, educated and equipped as well as he could make it. He had good people working for him and he worked to make them better. He was one of the best directors in the DCI in the time I was there and I believe he would still be ranked right up there as one of the best DCI has produced.

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