Jeanne Marie Russ

Jeanne Marie Russ, 61, Mosinee, died Friday, February 10, 2012 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 5, 1950 in Wisconsin Rapids, daughter of the late Elwood and Betty (Kawalske) Smith. On August 23, 1969, she married Kenneth Russ in Rhinelander. He survives. In Ken's words: " I know of no one that looked upon death as a gift as well as life as Jeanne did." "Her love and caring for the elderly was one of her passions for 35 years. She loved and adored the staff she worked with. They loved her for her wisdom and caring!" "Jeanne and I were never blessed with children. Jeanne showed her natural parenting skills with the love she shared with all her nieces and nephews. Even animals loved her caring attitude, especially her love for golden retrievers." "Jeanne and I received great support from sisters, brothers, family and friends during this difficult time. I know of no one who's life was not touched by Jeanne. I enjoyed 43 years learning the gift of life from her. Her love of life truly inspired everyone." Jeanne worked in occupational therapy at Mount View Care Center and North Central Health Care Facilities in Wausau, until her retirement. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed collecting antiques, cooking, entertaining and most of all, making people happy! Survivors include, her husband, Kenneth Russ, Mosinee; seven siblings, Linda Votava, Viroqua, Barbara (Jay) Nordstrum, Oregon, Wis., Judy ("Moose") Lacina, Phillips, Mary (Mel) Harn, Waupaca, Gary (Jean) Smith, Wisconsin Rapids, Diane (" Buster") Rhymes, White Bear Lake, Minn., and Kathleen (David) Barth, Wisconsin Rapids; one brother-in-law, Donald Russ, Rhinelander; two sisters-in-law, Judy (Tom) Subulka, Rhinelander and Kim (Greg) Weideman, Manhatton, Mont.; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and true good friends. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, James Votava; and one sister-in-law, Sherry Jensen. Memorial services will be at Noon Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aspirus Hospice House, Aspirus Regional Cancer Center for lung cancer research, Aspirus Wausau Hospital Oncology Unit or Mount View Care Center Activity Department. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Chris Peterson, who she loved dearly, his nurse Emily, the entire nurses and staff at the Aspirus Regional Cancer Center. Also, the nurses and staff at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Oncology Unit, and the entire staff at the Aspirus Hospice House for all their TLC and support. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com