June 21, 1950 – February 23, 2026
Margaret Russell, 75, of Kenosha, passed away on February 23, 2026, at Hospice Alliance – Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.
Margaret was born on June 21, 1950, in Spokane, WA, the daughter of the late Homer and Bernice (Barnes) Steele. She was educated in the schools of Rathdrum, ID. Later in life, she completed her paralegal courses at Carthage College while working in the administration office. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College, University of Wisconsin. Margaret married John Jirsa on October 24, 1980, in Oak Park, IL. She worked for Jockey International as a paralegal for many years. Her hobbies included kayaking, riding bicycles, camping, but most of all, she loved spending time with her friends and family, especially with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, John Jirsa of Pleasant Prairie; children, Chris (Jennifer) Russell of Wadsworth, IL, and Kara (Jason) Churak of McHenry, IL; grandchildren, Monica Russell, Elizabeth Russell, Megan Russell, Leah Russell, Patrick Churak, and Jackson Churak; also included are her great-grandchildren, Malcolm and Levi. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gene and Joe, and her granddaughter, Caitlyn.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at The Stella Hotel & Ballroom (5706 8th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140) from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Reflections on her life will begin at 11:30 AM.
