Russell W. Maxwell, age 87, passed away on Sunday June 23, 2024 at Aurora Medical Center Kenosha surrounded by his family. He was born August 31, 1936 in Kenosha, WI to the late Esther and Walter Maxwell. He married Arlene I. Heide in 1960, and together they lived and worked in Kenosha all their lives.
Russ led a life of service and faith. He was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church and many service organizations: Shriners, with over 45 years of fundraising for children’s hospitals, Kenosha Masonic Lodge 47, honored with a Grand Master’s certificate of over 55 years of service.
Russ was also a decorated Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout, carrying the qualities of duty and service with him always. He started a Boy Scouts Club at the U.S. Airforce base in Ashia, Japan where he completed over four years of active U.S. Airforce duty. He also served in the Air Force Reserve stateside for many years. In 2014, Russell participated in the Wisconsin Honor Flight for Veterans.
Russ had a lifelong love of music and sang in many choirs: Wesley United Methodist choir, “Snap-On Tools Corp. Choir” – 45 years; “Racine Dairy Statesmen” and the “Church Singers” – 30 years. He also belonged to Barbershop singing groups.
After Russ retired from Chrysler Corp. where he worked as a millwright over 40 years, he enjoyed spending time “up north” in the peace and quiet. He was especially proud of his children, grandchildren and their families. He and Arlene enjoyed attending the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, WI for many years, often taking their grandchildren.
Russ kept his characteristic sense of humor and laughter until the very end.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene; his children, Kris (Kerry) Kravik, Diane (Gregory) Splinter, and Mark (Terry Tanking) Maxwell; grandchildren, Kendra (Zach) Tegtmeier, Kirstin (Jeremy Price) Kravik, Heron Splinter and Mira Splinter; his sister, Helen (Dick) Poppie and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Doris Duchac.
A special thank you to the dedicated and caring staff at Charter Senior Living of Kenosha and the kind staff at Aurora at Home Hospice. A very special thank you to Gay Nordquist, an extraordinary friend and caretaker.
Service Date July 2, 2024
SERVICE LOCATION Piasecki Funeral Home
Funeral services honoring Russell’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the Piasecki Funeral Home.
A visitation for Russell will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wesley United Methodist Church http://www.kenoshawesley.org/dontations , The Shalom Center https://www.shalomcenter.org/donate/ or a charity of your choice.
