John "Gordy" Russell

John Gordon “Gordy” Russell died on June 13, 2017 in Green Bay, WI from natural causes. He was born March 20, 1928 in Ogden, UT to John E. and Myrtle (Parkinson) Russell. His wife of 56 years, Florence Hoffman Russell, predeceased Gordy, passing in May, 2010. Gordy spent most of his youth in St. Louis, MO. He was an accomplished golfer, winning the St. Louis high school district golf championship in a 36 hole match. Graduating a semester early from high school, Gordy enrolled at Westminster College (MO) for a semester, and had the opportunity to hear Winston Churchill’s famous Iron Curtain speech in March 1946. He continued his college experience at Amherst College (MA) where he earned degrees in Economics and History, elected president of his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, and captain of the Amherst golf team. After graduation, Gordy was drafted into the Army and served 11 months in Korea. Following his return stateside, he pursued a career as a “peddler” selling packaging materials in Louisville, Chicago, and Toledo. Gordy married Florence Hoffman in May 1954. In addition to raising three daughters, they enjoyed many years of couples golf and bridge. In the late 1960’s, Gordy went on a business fishing trip to Waupaca, WI which resulted in over 50 years of family vacations to the Chain of Lakes area. Following his retirement, he and Florence moved to Palm Beach County, FL for 13 years before moving to Green Bay in 2004. He was an active member of the Downtown Green Bay Rotary Club, SCORE, and First United Presbyterian Church, De Pere. Gordy was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He saw life through rose colored glasses which guided his life in a positive way. He is survived by his daughters Judy Russell (Howard Bornstein), Laurie Willard, and Donna Russell; sister Anabel Mason (James); and grandchildren Amanda (Nate) Brown, Cameron Russell, Lindsay (Joe) Horak, Larry Willard, Rusty (Ashley) Willard, Nic Bornstein, Emma Zazueta, and Selena Zazueta. Gordy was also the proud great-grandfather of Brianna and Taylor Brown; Jacob, Joshua, and Courtney Horak; and Clayton Russell and Raelynn Willard. A service celebrating Gordy and his almost 90 years will be held at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, DePere, WI on Saturday, June 17. Visitation begins at 1:30 PM with services following at 2:30 PM with the Rev. Luke Farwell officiating. The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Rotary International or Evans Scholarship.