February 2, 1939 – January 1, 2026
Russell “Russ” L. Koessl Jr, 86, of Kenosha, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, at his residence.
Russ was born on February 2, 1939, in Kenosha to the late Russell L. and Florence (Applegate) Koessl. He was raised and educated in the schools of Kenosha, where he later raised his family and built lifelong friendships.
On January 25, 1959, Russ married the love of his life, RuthAnn Cespuglio, in Zion, Illinois. Together they shared just shy of 67 years of marriage—a beautiful testament to their deep love, devotion, and enduring partnership.
Russ was a hardworking and dedicated man. He worked as a machine operator for MacWhyte for over 40 years. He was deeply respected by his peers. He proudly served as President of UAW Local #960, where he was known for his leadership, fairness, and commitment to others. He owned his own antenna business for many years. After his retirement from MacWhyte, he later continued working at Bumper to Bumper for 18 years.
An avid outdoorsman, Russ loved to fish and hunt. For many years, he spent countless hours fishing and ice fishing on local lakes and enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota with his buddies and family, including his pops. These trips were filled with laughter, stories, and memories that will be treasured forever. Russ also bowled on several leagues and even appeared on The Bowling Game show. He enjoyed trips to the casino and cheering on all Wisconsin sports—especially the Green Bay Packers.
A jokester, Russ never missed an opportunity to share a laugh, tease those he loved, or lighten any moment with his humor.
Above all else, Russ loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose presence brought laughter and joy to those around him.
Russ is survived by his loving wife, RuthAnn; his sons, Alan Koessl and John (Jenny) Koessl; his grandchildren, Rachel (Jacob Weber) Burnett, Crystal (Jason Wengert) Burnett, Jerry (Eloisa) Burnett Jr., Stephanie (Jaimie) Charon, and Jessika (Brandon) Christy; his nine great-grandchildren; his siblings, Karen (Ken) Tibbits, Gary (Jean) Koessl, Bruce (Betty) Koessl, and Debbie (Willi Sterba) Bezotte; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Allen Koessl; his parents, Russell Koessl Sr. and Florence Koessl; and his beloved daughter, Denise Burnett.
Funeral services for Russ will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at Bruch Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Russ will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the love he shared, the family he cherished, and the many lives he touched through his kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion.
SERVICES
Visitation
Saturday, January 10, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PMBruch Funeral Home
3503 Roosevelt Road
Kenosha, WI 53142
Funeral Service
Saturday, January 10, 2026
12:00 PMBruch Funeral Home
3503 Roosevelt Road
Kenosha, WI 53142
