Joan Russow

Joan Russow, 88, of Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, to Samuel and Helen Gangster, Joan carried her warm New England spirit with her throughout her life. She later moved to Illinois, where she worked for Illinois Bell and met her husband, William Russow. After retiring, they settled in Wisconsin, where they embraced the beauty of the Northwoods and the close-knit community there.

Joan loved the simple pleasures of lake life, from quiet mornings by the water to the beauty of the outdoors and the laughter shared with friends at Webers and Murmuring Waters. She treasured the lasting friendships she built over the years and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the many cherished memories she created with those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Helen Gangster; her husband, William Russow; her son, Keith Seale; her stepson, Jim Russow; her brother, Harry Gangster (Charlotte); and her grandson, Nathan Russow.

Joan is survived by her stepson, Dave Russow (Yvonne); her daughter-in-law, Patricia Russow; her brother-in-law, Robert Russow, and his wife Melodee, along with their children Randy (Laura), Joe, Tom, and Tim (Vicki); her grandchildren, Alyssa, Lauren, Jordan, and Phi Houng; and her nieces and nephew, Cheryl, Daren, and Dennis Gangster.