"I had such respect for Russ. He was so knowledgeable and generous with his time and thoughts. He helped and encouraged me and I am grateful for that."
In loving memory of
V. Russell Whitesel
April 2, 2017
MADISON - Russ Whitesel, age 73, died on April 2, 2017 at Agrace Hospice one week after a family gathering which included his wife, Elizabeth Whitesel, daughters Leah (Justin Gates) and Emily (Aaron Spicer) Whitesel, and grandchildren Rosalind, Judah, and Owen.
After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Russ enlisted in the Peace Corps and served in Turkey. He then received his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Syracuse Maxwell School, and moved to Madison for a job with the Department of Administration. He also worked at the University of Wisconsin Central Administration Office before attending UW Law School. He worked in the Legislative Council as a Senior Staff Attorney for over 30 years, drafting legislation, helping legislators come to agreement on policy issues, and mentoring legislators, lawyers, and law students. After he retired, he developed and taught the Government and Administrative Law Clinic at UW Law School, where he trained second- and third-year law students to be compassionate and thoughtful lawyers and policy-makers through clinical placements in state administrative agencies.
Russ was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, never missing a concert or game. He had a knack for making all activities fun, whether coaching youth soccer or drilling Spanish vocabulary words. His contributions to his community included his involvement as president of the West High PTO, serving on the Community Development Block Grant Committee, and as president of the Temple Beth El Men's Club. He was especially proud of the month he spent with the Peace Corps Veterans volunteering in Louisiana as part of the post-Katrina recovery effort. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fantasy baseball, bridge, two book clubs, biking, running, and traveling with his family.
Despite a diagnosis of brain cancer, Russ felt fortunate for having a beautiful life filled with family and friends. His family would like to thank the compassionate and professional caregivers from Agrace Hospice and to all of their friends for their companionship, meals, and loving support.
A funeral will be held at Temple Beth El, 2702 Arbor Drive, Madison at 11 am on Thursday, April 6.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; Jewish Social Services, 6434 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI 53719; or the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.
"The clock provides only a technical measurement of how long we live. Far more real than the ticking of time is the way we open up the minutes and invest them with meaning."
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
Tributes
"What a fun, compassionate and able man!--Working with him years ago in the PTO, I experienced his ready smile and skill mediating a problem or issue. Madison surely will miss him. Love to Liz, Leah and Emily. "
"As a state legislator i had the privilege of working with Russ. His contribution to the State of Wisconsin was outstanding. He provided legislators with intelligent and thoughtful briefings and insights . He guided the legislature in solving problems and gave us savvy advice to guide our decisions. He was friendly, always had a great smile and a good story. He made the legislative Council professional and he helped us create first-rate legislation . Russ made our difficult jobs and decisions easier. He will be missed and i remember him fondly. Prayers to the family Senator Judy Robson. D-Beloit."
"I will never forget the twinkle in his eye and the wit he brought to group dinner conversations. Russ lit up the room with his joy and humanity. He leaves us a model to try to live up to."
"What a wonderful, decent human being. Such a big loss to his family, friends and the community. It was a privilege to know and work with Russ. I was so saddened to learn of his passing. Barbara Lorman"
"It never was a job working with you, Russ. You truly were the highlight of my day whenever I saw you. I thank you for being you: compassionate, intelligent, kind, caring & an overall amazing person. I'll miss you terribly, but am so grateful for the time we got to spend together."
"Russ was always a pleasure to work with and a dedicated public servant. He was always positive, engaged, ready to contribute and thoughtful. I was very sorry to read of his untimely passing. "
"It has been both an honor and a privilege to know and care for Russ and his beautiful family this past year. Russ shared many words of wisdom and memories that I will always cherish. My heart and prayers go out to Liz and entire family. I so regret that I was not able to spend more time with Russ these last few months, but I am grateful for the time we had. "
"I feel truly privileged to have known and worked with Russ in the legislature. His knowledge and wisdom embodied the best ideals of a public servant. I consider him a mentor and value everything he taught about me. I will greatly miss his sage advice and the higher standard that we should all aspire to. "
"Russ was always kind and helpful to me when I worked in the Capitol. He was a top professional and I always admired his ability and his style. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. "
"I worked with Russ at the State Capitol when I worked for Harout Sanassarian and other representatives and senators. He was always so kind and helpful. Above all I remember how much he cherished Liz and his children. So very sorry for your loss."
"Russ leaves an amazing legacy of humor and compassion within his community,amongst friends and family. A life well lived by a person who loved fully and was loved by all . It was an honor to have known Russ as a friend and brother. Sending hugs to Liz,daughters Leah,Emily and their precious family. warmest love and aloha from your family in Hawaii,Carol and Mark"
"Russ was one of a kind. Incredibly knowledgeable about so many things. I learned a lot from him through our frequent (and many times lengthy) conversations about education policy, the Legislature, sports and family. He was a thoughtful, compassionate and loyal colleague. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed but never forgotten."
"I worked with Russ for a decade as a young legislative aide in the Capitol. He was among a bunch of Leg Council staff who "mentored" (probably without knowing it) a lot of young aides. What I learned from Russ was the value of thinking critically but also with a sense of decency and a sense of humor. He influenced a lot of people to be better and more humane at public policy making. He was just a great person. "
"I worked with Russ as staff to the CDBG Commission for many years. Russ was an incredibly valuable member of the Commission. I always appreciated his compassion, insight and suggestions. He helped shape many projects that resulted in neighborhoods being improved, affordable housing provided, small businesses developed and neighborhood centers created. He truly had an impact on improving our great city and the lives of hundreds of lower income people. We thank you for sharing your husband, father and grandfather with us."
"Uncle Cliff & I send our love to you Liz, Leah & Justin, Emily & Aaron. A special heart love to Rosie, Judah & Owen for their beloved grand pop, no doubt still a presence in their lives"
"Respected Russ's knowledge, work ethic, compassion, & devotion to family"
"At a time such as this may our Creator's promises sustain you until you are reunited with your loved on a Paradise earth soon to come! Isaiah 26: 19; Luke 23:43"