Russel Setterlun

August 3, 1937 — December 28, 2023

A lifetime shaped by the cycle of seasons – from growth and bounty to harvest and nourishment – came to a close for Russel Setterlun in the early evening of Thursday, December 28, 2023 at home in Thiensville, WI at the age of 86. His walk was peaceful and in the immediate company of his wife Carole and two children, Ann and Stephen. Russel was preceded in death by his mother Bernice, father Roland, and brother Douglas (Mary). Russ is survived by his wife Carole, son Stephen, daughter Ann (Michael Taylor), three grandchildren, Andrés, Alejandro, and Olivia, and stepsister Valerie Ritter. Who was this man we love? Russ was a one-of-a-kind faithful husband, devoted father, and magnificent grandfather. He gave the best hugs, the most love, and the least criticism. He was always available for conversation, encouragement, and listening. Being a man of great faith enabled Russ to be openly kind, infinitely patient, a source of wisdom, and a champion of the underserved. Long lakeshore walks, rambles with children and grandchildren in South Woods, and evening seminary strolls with a hand in his refreshed Russ' soul and gentle spirit. When not on the road in a tiny Irish rental or among his Wisconsin corn fields, his mind was alive anticipating his next adventure. In these ways he introduced his children to the world, its wonders, and the joy of pursuing curiosity. He cherished being a loving and playful grandpa who texted silly jokes, loved family celebrations, and played Go Fish over and over and over. Russ was unpretentious, unflappable, and helpful beyond compare. Can you believe this guy would happily dust, vacuum, clean toilets, and wash ALL the dishes from Carole's manic cooking and baking sessions? And, yes, he loved Carole's cooking, although peanut butter toast remained his signature dish. When Russ tired of watching the Packers on mute, he would venture out to pursue his love of mowing the lawn and passion for tending Mom's garden flowers. Careful nurturing paid off and many of the plants were separated and shared. Russ took great pride and pleasure in trying to outsmart squirrels, foster butterflies, and tend to the neighborhood birds. Russ' food service career with Sysco Corporation had him evaluating many vegetable products. In spite of the initial fear of a "funny TV" appearing on the office desk, he embraced the keyboard, as he did with all challenges, and used it as a tool to continue exploring the world. When he finally retired, his sport coats, dress shoes, and ties were all joyfully donated. We will wrap our hearts and minds around these precious memories as we move ahead without Russ. They will sustain us and give us courage to love, hope, and dream. Russ lived his life by setting an example for those of us fortunate enough to know him. We have been blessed by his presence in our lives and it is for us to carry his influence forward. We can now – as we did when he was among us – bring a spirit of goodness into our words, our actions, and our choices. We will begin by doing so with a celebration of his life with a brief 10:30am visitation, 11:00am Mass, and luncheon at Lumen Christi Catholic Church in Mequon, WI on Monday, January 22. Please join us in person and please join us in carrying Russ' light with you. We deeply thank the surgeons, doctors, nurses, therapists, aides (especially Dr. Nand, Dr. Rebholz, Katie, Deriana, and Kate), and Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital, Froedtert Hospital, Horizon Hospice, and Amada Senior Care. A special thank you to our family and many, many friends who lovingly supported us on this journey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Center for Working Families (Quito, Ecuador) www.c4wf.org Jim Luther New Hope Center (Milwaukee, WI) www.jluthernhc.com

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