Russell Robert Sell

Russell Robert Sell, 61, of the Town of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison.

Russell was born on April 13, 1964, at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital to Russell and Bonnie Sell. He grew up in a small town of Concord, Wisconsin and attended Watertown High School before answering the call to serve his country. In 1981, he enlisted in the United States Navy, working in communications and IT, beginning a year military career marked by dedication, courage, and honor.

On April 16, 1983, Russell married his high school sweetheart, Denise Polenski, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Concord, Wisconsin. Together they built a loving family and raised three children: Charina, Jessica, and Nathan.

During his service, Russell deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Storm in 1983. His commitment and bravery earned him several honors, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. After completing his military service, When the war was over, Russell returned to the states as a recruiter for the Navy, stationed in Green Bay, Wisconsin until he chose to return home to Wisconsin to begin a new chapter. After leaving the service, he worked for a construction company as a carpenter until 1993, he began working as an independent satellite contractor with Radio Shack in Watertown Wisconsin. Then in the summer of 2001, he moved his family to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he continued his career as a machinist for various companies. When his wife Denise was diagnosed with cancer, Russell devoted himself to caring for her full time. After her passing in December 2011, he sought the peace of country living and returned to Oconomowoc in 2013, where he remained until his death.

Russell enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—riding his motorcycle, bowling in local leagues, and watching sports, especially football and baseball. He also cherished visiting his daughter Jessica wherever life took her, including New York, Louisiana, and Michigan. Family trips included Wisconsin Dells, visiting his parents in Tomah Wisconsin, and a trip to Florida. Celebrating 25 years of marriage Russell and Denise travel to the Bahamas.

Russell is preceded in death by his beloved wife Denise; his parents, Russell and Bonnie Sell; and several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his children, Charina Barrientes (Keith), Jessica Mast (Nathan), and Nathan Sell; his granddaughter Jordyn; his brother James Sell (Juanita) and sister Kathy Danne( Dale); and many nieces, nephews, and other family members who will forever hold his memory close.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2026, where the Wisconsin Military Honor Guard will perform a funeral ceremony in recognition of Russell’s service. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of the VA Hospital in Madison for the compassion and dedication shown to Russell during his care.

Donations toward funeral expenses are appreciated and may be given to the family at the time of the celebration.

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