Russell Waite, age 74, of Exeland, WI passed away at his home peacefully in his sleep on Monday, September 4, 2017 with his wife Lori by his side, after a long battle with heart disease.

Russell was born on March 20, 1943 in Radisson, WI to Charles and Coral (Shinn) Waite. He was a lifelong resident of Exeland, WI.  Russell graduated from Bruce High in 1962.He married his high school sweetheart, Janis Veness, on July 25, 1964. They shared 43 wonderful years together and raised 5 children. Janis passed away February 6, 2007. Russell married Lori Baker on January 21, 2011 at their residence in Exeland. They shared the last years of his life loving on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Russell was a man of many talents, over the years he was a baker, tavern owner, plumber, wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed four wheeling, reading and was a collector of all things civil war. Russell took so much pride in his yard and flower beds each year. He was meticulous with his work and everything had to be just right. Russell believed if you do a job, you do it right. Many nights he would cook on the grill in his backyard and host BBQs with family and friends surrounding him. He loved sitting in his backyard with a campfire and listening to good music. Russell was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Lori Waite; his children Rhonda (Keenan) Zimmerman, Stephanie (Scott) Ring, Dana (Doug) Zebro, Brian (Tonya) Waite, Ernie (Diane) Waite, Sarah (Frank) Holmes, and Ashley Baker; grandchildren Shelly (Ryan) Tuma, Ashleigh (Kevin) Jensen, Erin Baumel, Rylee Zebro, Zoe (Nick) Bailey, J.J. Mussehl, Scott Ypma, Jacob (Lydia) Mussehl, Alec Waite, Tyler Mussehl, Curtis Goin, Carter and Sierra Waite, Ava and Audrey Zimmerman, Jake, Frankie, Russell, Kayden, and Jace Holmes; great grandchildren Breanna and Blake Kinsley, Ryker Tuma, Mason Dearhamer, Cal and Max Sirek, Reed and Easton Jensen; siblings Lois Gerber, Bernard (Mooneen) Waite, Denny (Joyce) Waite, Tom (Pat) Waite, Mike (Margaret) Waite, and Theresa (John) Deach; sister-in-law Clara Jean Waite and brother-in-law Ronald Freitag.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Coral Waite; 1 ^st wife Janis Waite; brother Charles (Sonny) Waite; sisters June Waite and Rosie Pejka.

A Memorial Gathering will be held with family and friends from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Friday September 8, 2017 at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward with a Graveside Service at Windfall Cemetery in Exeland. Pastor Mark Bartlett will officiate. There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Buckhorn in Exeland following the graveside service.