Russell “Russ” Semrad, age 80 of Tigerton died peacefully at home on Monday, October 31, 2022.
Russell Stephen Semrad was born on July 25, 1942, in Milwaukee to Raymond and Lucille (Zingler) Semrad. After high school he entered the U.S. Army and served in Korea as a petroleum chemist from 1960 – 1963. He was united in marriage on February 23, 1963, to Kathleen “Toni” Endert at Fort Lee, Virginia. After the military, Russ entered the civilian workforce as chemist for Schlitz Brewing Company, Milwaukee. In 1989 he transitioned to Quality Control at Borden Foods, retiring in 2006 and settling in Tigerton. In short, his day job was making beer and then cheese the best Wisconsin offered.
Russ and Toni were blessed with three children and shared 40 happy years together. Toni preceded him in death on September 19, 2003. Then he met Barbara L. Lensmire-Perronne for a second chance at love and companionship. Russ and Barb were married on November 13, 2004, in Plymouth.
Russ was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Tigerton, and held a deep faith, which he openly shared with others. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed any activity involving the woods. At the top of his list of hobbies were bowhunting, trapshooting, golfing, hiking, and fishing for crappie and bluegill. Russ also liked making firewood on his 80 acres of paradise! He proudly wore green and gold, as well as Badger red.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Barb; and three children, Raymond (Tracy Barber) Semrad of Hartland, Jeff (Janice Knitt) Semrad of Marion, and Pamela (Daniel) Doolittle of Mazomanie, WI. There are five grandchildren: Steven, Erica (Elias), Kevin (Amanda), Cassy, and Nichole. There are four great grandchildren: Ayden, Serenity, Spencer, and Quinn. He is further survived by Barb’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, two sponsored youths in Guatemala, and many friends.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Toni; his first-born son Raynold; his adopted father Al; and best friend Jerry.
Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 11th at 3:00 PM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Tigerton, with Fr. Matthew Settle officiating. Military Honors will be provided at church by members of the American Legion Post 239, Tigerton. Visitation will be on Friday from 2:00 PM until the time of mass at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton, is assisting the family. Please go to www.beil-didier.com to sign the online guestbook or to send a card.
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