Allan “Al” Russell, 88, passed away January 3, 2022, peacefully in his home. He was born April 1, 1933, in Springfield, IL, one of two sons of the late Samuel George and Grace Elizabeth (Bickes) Russell. Allan graduated from Lanphier High School and in 1956, received his degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He was employed for forty years as an Industrial Engineer with Kimberly Clark Corporation and Paper Converting Machine Company. After retiring, Allan remained active. He was employed part-time by Green Bay Schools as a monitor, by Heritage Hill State Historical Park as an interpreter, and by Harmann Photography.
Allan’s life was filled with music. He played in the high school band and sang in the Purdue University Varsity Glee Club. He began directing church choirs as a college student and continued for the rest of his life. He served at several Green Bay and De Pere churches after moving to the area in 1975. He directed a local ladies’ chorus, “The Chantelles”, for seventeen years. Allan always emphasized that his favorite musical activity was singing duets with his wife, Sue. They were called “The Odd Couple,” and entertained since 1988 for class reunions, wedding anniversaries, parties, and dinners throughout the area.
Allan married Suzanne Andre in October of 1981, and they had one daughter, Lisa Louise (Russell) Roosa, who lives in Trinity, Florida. In addition to his wife and their daughter, Allan is survived by a son, Richard, who lives in Indiana; a daughter, Jill, of Hawaii; and a daughter, Judith, of Minnesota; his step-children, Anthony of Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, Michael of Whitefish Bay, and Sherri of De Pere. Allan had 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren, and 2 step-great-grandchildren. His brother George Russell passed away in 2006.
Friends and relatives may call from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 16th, at First United Presbyterian Church, 605 North Webster Avenue, De Pere. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the church with the Rev. Dr. Luke Farwell officiating. On-line condolences may be given at www.prokowall.com.
It was Allan’s wish that in lieu of flowers donations be made to benefit The Purdue University Varsity Glee Club Scholarship Fund or The American Heart Association.