Russell R. “Russ” Ruland

Russell R. “Russ” Ruland, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, on September 22, 2026. He was 86 years old.

Russ was born January 26, 1940, and grew up in historic Greendale, Wisconsin. He shared 63 years of marriage with his wife, Judith, building a life centered around family, friendship, and the many things he loved.

Russ is survived by Judith; his children, Lisa Bro (Andy), Eileen Anderson (Mike), and Ray Ruland (Lisa Thomas); his grandchildren, Jake, Anna, Judson, Sloan, Natalie, Ray, Barrett, and Ian; and his great-grandchildren, Russell, Lennyn, Jake, and Crew; his brothers-in-law, Tom (Tricia) Sloan and Fred (Nancy) Sloan; and nieces and nephews.

Russ was an accomplished collegiate football player at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and was a member of the 1962 championship team. He continued to exercise and participate in athletics throughout his life.

His greatest passions, however, were found in the outdoors. Russ was an avid and passionate musky fisherman, a love that began when he was just nine years old. For decades, he returned nearly every year to Cliff Lake in Canada, creating a lifetime of memories on the water. He also spent many years fishing the Chippewa Flowage.

On September 16, 1993, Russ achieved something extraordinary when he caught a 52-inch musky at the Chippewa Flowage, earning a world record. For Russ, though, the joy was never simply about the size of the fish or the record. It was about being outdoors, being on the water, and sharing those experiences with the people he loved.

Russ made sure his love of fishing and the outdoors became a family tradition. He especially enjoyed sharing it with his son, Ray, his grandsons, and his great-grandsons. He hoped that each of them would someday experience the thrill of landing a giant musky of their own. The stories, lessons, early mornings, and time spent together on the water became part of the legacy he passed down through the generations.

Russ planned regular fishing trips for his son, grandsons, and friends, making sure there was always another adventure on the calendar. He would prepare his favorite dishes to bring along, and he loved showing everyone where he believed the “best” spots were to catch the big one.

Russ began his professional career at Allen-Bradley in 1963. Within a few years, he joined H.H. Martin Company, where he eventually took over the business from Harold Martin. He spent his career selling highly specialized industrial cutting tools and continued working until he was 83, reflecting his strong work ethic, dedication, and pride in what he did—his long-term customers loved him!

Russ had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of letting his family know what he was thinking. When his sons and grandsons were driving him crazy with their shenanigans, he affectionately called them “ya meathead”—a term that became one of those familiar expressions his family will always associate with him.

When Judith returned to work, Russ discovered that he was a pretty good cook. He became known for his meatloaf, chili, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, and his self-proclaimed “famous” shrimp pasta. Russ and his excellent mashed potatoes will be sorely missed each Thanksgiving.

At home, Russ also found joy in the simple things. He loved watching the birds from the kitchen window and kept track of his regular visitors—the finches, cardinals, woodpeckers, and far too many house sparrows. Russ also loved to plant and manage a sizable vegetable garden, taking pride in tending it and watching it grow.

Russ will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to Judith and his family, and his lifelong friendships, as well as his quick sense of humor, honesty, integrity, love of fishing and the outdoors, and the joy he found in sharing those passions.

Russ will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Terri and the entire Advocate Health Home Hospice team for the compassionate, loving, and wonderful care they provided to Russ and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Russ’s favorite charity, the Wounded Warrior Project.

We look forward to celebrating his life with you on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Boerner Botanic Gardens—Nell’s Sunroom, 5879 S. 92nd Street, Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Program at 2:00 p.m. and light refreshments.