Russell Dennis, 68, of Rice Lake, WI, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, 3/17/22 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, WI.

He was born in Santa Monica, CA on January 14, 1954 to Lionel Dennis and Shirley Surges.

He graduated high school at Glenbard East High School in Lumbard, Illinois in 1972. At the age of 19, Russell was called by God to join the Franciscan brotherhood where he learned the art of carpentry and built many houses for those in need. After his time in the brotherhood, Russell answered a different call, this time to start a family. He left the brotherhood and moved to Ashland, WI and worked as a carpenter. This is when he met the love of his life, Linda Marincel, in 1982. They were married shortly after in 1984 on the 2nd of June. Russell was blessed with 3 children and was always a constant provider for his family first by starting his own company, “Russ Dennis Custom Builders” and worked as a contractor until 1994. During his contractor years he built and remodeled numerous homes in the northwest Wisconsin area. Russell lived what he worked as he built all of the homes his family ever lived in. Russell had a passion for scuba diving. He became a Master Diver Instructor and owned his own scuba shop in Bayfield, WI. He was a proficient scuba diver/instructor having been certified in ice dives, shipwrecks, deep dives, night dives, advanced dive, underwater photography, underwater navigation, instruction and search rescue dives. Russell loved taking groups of divers on excursions to exotic places such as Honduras and the Caribbean. He was responsible for certifying countless divers in the art of scuba during his life. Russell’s passion for caring and helping people led him to pursue a career in health care as a paramedic. He graduated from paramedic school, top of his class in 1994. He moved his family to Zachary, Louisiana so he could work for the Baton Rouge Paramedic Unit which was the #1 EMS team in the country at the time. While being a paramedic, Russell saved and touched innumerable lives. He lived and worked in Louisiana for five years before moving his family back to Wisconsin in 1999. In Rice Lake, WI he became a paramedic EMS manager at Lakeview Medical Center until his retirement in 2012. During Russ’s retirement he continued his love for carpentry by constantly being in his woodworking shop making beautiful pieces for his family. Russell also spent his time volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and St. Vincent’s Soup Kitchen. Russell loved being with his family whether it was cooking, playing cards, sitting around the fire, or having morning coffee on the porch. Russell was a man of perfection both in the way he carried himself and in what he did. Everyone who came in his path fell in love with Russ. He had the sense of humor that could bring laughter to any situation. He cared so deeply for those he loved, he made sure they never had a want or need left unfilled. He will be profoundly missed.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Lionel and Shirley.

He is survived by his wife, Linda. His children, Joseph (Abbie) Dennis, Melissa (Michael Musolf) Dennis, and Alicia (Yunior Rumero Rodal) Fitzpatrick. His grandchildren, Jackson and Mason. His siblings, Mary (Roy) Goyette, Janet (Rick) von Shwedler, Tom (Darlene) Dennis; as well as many nieces, nephews and other friends and relatives.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon, Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, WI. Father Ed Anderson is officiating, with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake is handling the services for the family.

Last Update: Mar 19, 2022 12:55 pm CDT