Russell (Russ) Olson Jr, 75 of Barron, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on April 17, 2024 after a long courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Rice Lake, on February 13, 1949 to Russell and Ellen (Peg) Olson Sr. of Barron. Russ attended school in Barron and graduated in 1967. He went on to college at UW Superior and during college he was called to duty and enlisted in the US Army in 1971 and ranked as Rank Specialist 5, he was honorably discharged in 1972. He returned to UW Superior where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration in 1975.

Russ worked in the food and beverage industry in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin during his lifetime, known for his amazing cooking by all who knew him. He went on to marry Lynn M. Bresina on September 8, 1979 in Solon Springs. They moved to Barron in 1982 where he spent the rest of his life. Russ and Lynn had 2 daughters, Lyndsey and Elizabeth.

Russ loved woodworking and was known for his skills in making various projects like tables, jewelry stands, dressers, and more. Russ enjoyed walking around farmers markets and buying fresh veggies. He and Lynn enjoyed going to garage sales, flea markets, vacationing in Tennessee, and he was able to enjoy a Carribean Cruise with Lynn for their 25th wedding anniversary. He had a love of camping and would enjoy taking his family and grandkids to the cabin up north where he would go fishing and hunting. He taught his grandsons, Emmett and Korbin how to cook over an open fire, fillet fish, shoot guns, and play solitaire while at the cabin. It was his second home any chance he had to go there. He taught his granddaughter, Makenna how to bake and loved to spoil her. He was an amazing husband, dad and grandpa. His dog, Sparkles was his side kick throughout everything, never leaving his side whether it was at the cabin, at home, or at the foot of his bed.

Russ is survived by his wife, Lynn of Barron; daughter, Elizabeth (Nathaniel) Roske of Hillsdale; grandkids, Makenna, Korbin, and Emmett Roske of Hillsdale; brother, Pete (Heidi Hong) Olson of Barron; sister-in–law, Anne Marie Olson of Fredonia; and his mother in law, Odetta (Bresina) of Barron; brother-in-laws, Chipper (Maria) Bresina of Chippewa, Tim (Gerri) Bresina of Chippewa and Ricky (Marsha) Bresina of Cadott; sister-in-laws, Nancy (Kim) Simenson of Cadott and Lucy (Jack) Lawler of Chippewa; along with cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Lyndsey Olson; his parents, Russell Olson Sr. and Ellen (Peg) Olson; brothers, E. Bryan and David Olson; and father-in-law, Richard "Dick" Bresina.

He will be missed greatly and never forgotten.  Loved by many and remembered by all who knew him.

A funeral service for Russ will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.  Visitation will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Friday morning. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 26 at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery near Spooner.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the friends and family who have helped during this time with food, outreach, visits, and prayers. We would also like to give special thanks to the oncology department, doctors, and nurses who cared for Russ at Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake. Thank you to Moments Hospice, Linda, Sara, and Chaplain Jim for making this time a little easier and dignified for Russ.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Apr 24, 2024 3:51 pm CDT