Bernard E. Russell

Bernard E. Russell, 94, of Fond du Lac passed away on September 14, 2014 at his daughter and son-in-law, Conni and John Potratz' home after a brief illness. He was born June 28, 1920 in Fond du Lac, the son of Frank and Mary Yasick Russell. In 1944 he married Lois T. Ludvigsen in Milwaukee, WI. He was a 1938 graduate of L.P. Goodrich Sr. High school where he was best known as a serious student and a dependable friend as well as a "scrapper" and local Golden Gloves Champion. Shortly after high school, Bernie was one of only two candidates selected for the U.S. Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program where he completed extensive college courses and intense pilot training. Although his career as a World War II pilot was cut short due to injuries he received in a flight training accident, Bernie continued to serve his country as a B-17 Tail Gunner until the war ended. He was very proud of his service time as an Army Air Corps aviator and enthralled his children and grandchildren with stories of his exploits. After the War, Bernie worked as a machinist at Giddings and Lewis in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin where he retired after 40 years of service.



Bernie lived life to the fullest in his 94 years. His determination, stamina, and love for nature will forever be remembered by his family. Bernie's favorite moments were the times spent with his family at the Russell cottage on Pearl Lake in Redgranite, Wisconsin, as well as his time spent hunting, fishing, painting, enjoying all nature had to offer, or stealing the show whenever he and his wife, Lois, would take to the dance floor.



He is survived by his children, Dennis Russell of Poynette, WI, Paula (Jim) Howe of Joliet, IL, Colonel, USAF (Ret) Michael (Betsy) Russell of St. Petersburg, FL, Dr. Jerry (Jeanne) Russell of Columbus, WI, Conni (John) Potratz of Fond du Lac, WI, and Matthew (Robin) Russell of St. Cloud, WI. He is further survived by his 16 grandchildren, Ann Albers, Amy Enfelt, Emily McCamy, Robby Howe, Tammy Howe, Melissa Taylor, Melinda Paasch, Jamie Russell, Kristie Russell, Adam Russell, Angi Roloff, Jacki Haase, Seth Potratz, Bethany Nier, Aubree Russell, Lily Russell and 21 great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Lois; an infant daughter, Jacqueline Rae; a brother, Phillip Russell.



The visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home and again on Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 am at the mausoleum. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 19, 2014 at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park. Entombment will follow the services.



The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sergi and the staff of Agnesian Hospice for the care given to Bernie.