Clifford Russell

Clifford L. Russell, 79, of Chippewa Falls, died Tuesday, November 08, 2011 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

He was born June 8, 1932 in Chippewa Falls to Johannah (Nielsen) and Andrew Russell. He grew up in Chippewa Falls and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1950. He entered the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Gilbert Islands.

Clifford married Vernona "Nona" Niesen on April 1, 1957 at Zion Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls.

He worked at Western Electric Company until his retirement in 1988. After retiring, he worked for Northern Crossarms with his brother-in-law, Don Bischel.

He was an avid newspaper reader, sports fan and a life-long Packers fan. He loved all levels of sports from high school to professional and was a "hockey dad." He and Nona enjoyed getting in the car and going for rides all over, taking many casino trips.

Survivors include: two daughters, Lori (Marcus) Connelly of Arcadia, Patti (Bob) Gasper of Chippewa Falls; two sons, Robert (Marion) Russell of Janesville, Ken (Denice) Russell of Fall Creek; two sisters, Alice Spanel of Eau Claire, Carol (LaVerne) Schreiner of Tilden; a brother, Richard Russell of Chippewa Falls; a brother-in-law, Don Bischel of Chippewa Falls; 17 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Nona on May 21, 2006; two sisters, Virginia Lighthizer, Joan Bischel; two brothers, Robert and Leonard Russell; a sister-in-law, Helen Russell; two brothers-in-law, Romaine Spanel and Jack Lighthizer.

A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, November 11 at Zion Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls, with Rev. T. Clinton Stark, officiating. Interment with military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will be at 9 a.m., Saturday, November 12 in Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie.

Visitation will take place at Zion Lutheran Church on Friday from 3 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the Russell family.

Visit pedersonvolker.com to express online condolences.

Clifford's family would like to thank the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital; especially Dr. Kidess and those working on the Critical Care Unit and the 6th floor. Their kindness and compassion given to Cliff and his family was greatly appreciated during this very difficult time.

"We'll miss you Dad!"


Afterservice

A funeral service for Clifford L. Russell, 79, of Chippewa Falls, was held at 6 p.m., Friday, November 11 at Zion Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. T. Clinton Stark officiated and music was provided by organist, Chuck Hull.

Interment with military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council was in Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the Russell family.