Robert Russell

Madison - Robert L. Russell, age 82, died on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born in Chicago on July 24, 1929 in Michael Reese Hospital to parents of Irish descent. He was placed for adoption at "The Cradle" in Evanston and adopted September 8, 1929 by Margaret and Eldon Russell of Madison. He grew up in University Heights, and attended Randall Elementary School and West High School, where he played drums in the concert band and a 13-14 piece dance band all through school. He was chosen Prom King his senior year, which was quite a shock to him. He went to New York in the fall of 1947 where he pursued a musical career. He was there during the swan song of the Big Band Era, working with the Sam Donahue Band playing the New York Paramount Theatre at the age of 20 with Mel Torme and Ella Fitzgerald as well as Raphael Mendez, trumpet virtuoso. They were there for two weeks - 4 shows a day. Later that spring, in 1950, he worked with the young Rosemary Clooney while with Sam Donahue. He played the Steele Pier in Atlantic City and Old Orchard Beach, Maine and Birdland Jazz Club on Broadway. He was drafted in to the U.S. Army in early 1951, a trainer for the Signal Corp., but after arriving in Korea, was able to get into special service. While in special service in 1952, he played a two month tour with singer Eddie Fisher, and a brief tour with accordianist Dick Contino, before going home. Being discharged in December, 1952, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin in January, 1953. After completing one semester, he got a call to join the Buddy Morrow Band in Detroit. He stayed with that band for four months before quitting and returning to the UW. While attending the UW, he continued to play with different bands in the Madison area. He met his wife, Joan Gunnelson in 1953. She was a nurse from Beloit working at the Quisling Clinic. They were married in 1956, and Bob graduated from the UW in 1957 with a major in social science and a minor in commerce. Bob and Joan moved to Elgin, Illinois where he worked for Illinois Bell Telephone. By 1960, they were ready to move back to Madison. He worked for his dad in mortgage loans and insurance from 1960 to 1971 when his dad sold the business and retired. At this time Bob went into real estate where he stayed until 1996. Working for Ross Gordon, Stark Co, First Reality. Bob joined the Doc DeHaven Sextet in 1966, a very popular jazz and dance combo in the Madison area. He stayed with them until 1996 (30 years) before retiring on New Years Eve of 1996 from both the combo and real estate. Bob enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Lake Michigan in Door County. It was built in 1935 and is still enjoyed each year. Bob spent his entire life in Madison, except for New York, the Army, and three years in Illinois. He considered himself very lucky to have been raised by such a wonderful mom and dad. The family ties to the UW were very strong. Both parents having graduated from the UW, his mother acquiring a masters degree in journalism and his paternal grandfather being the Dean of the College of Agriculture for 23 years (a record) from 1907 to 1930. Bob attained his goals in music and education, and was blessed with a loving family. His sense of humor will be remembered by many especially his puns. Robert is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Andrew (Sarah) Russell, Peggy Bloomer; a sister, Elizabeth Johnson; and granddaughters, Ashley and Amber Bloomer, and Melody Russell. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the funeral home, and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the HospiceCare Foundation, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or the West High School Scholarship Fund, 30 Ash Street, Madison, WI 53726. A special thanks to HospiceCare Inc., and particularly Greg, a HospiceCare volunteer, for the exceptional care.