Gerald B. Russell, age 51, of Merrill, died April 16, 2013, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, as the result of a motorcycle accident.
Gerald was born October 3, 1961, in Los Angeles, CA, the son of the late Lloyd and Melba (New) Russell. He and Cynthia Taylor were united in marriage on November 10, 2008 in Merrill. She survives.
Gerry was the son of missionaries and grew up in Ireland. He returned to the states when he was 17 and lived in Philadelphia. Gerry later moved to Oregon and then came to Wisconsin in 1996. He and his brother owned and operated a painting company where he worked as a Journeyman Painter and was excellent in doing finish work. When Gerry came to Wisconsin he lived and worked as a herdsman on various Dairy Farms in the Marshfield area. He later went back to doing wood finishing for Old Country Buffet restaurants. Gerry was ordained as a minister in 2003. He attended St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. He was a member of the Gold Wing Riders Association in Marshfield. Gerry enjoyed making and flying radio controlled airplanes. He also loved fishing and boating. Gerry was a very talented musician and enjoyed playing various musical instruments including, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet and the harmonica. He loved “Boomer” his American bull Dog.
Gerry is survived by his wife: Cynthia Russell, Merrill; one son: Clinton (Josey) Russell, Big Fork, MN; two daughters: Amanda (Ben) Zalizniak, Marshfield and Dianna (Eric) Schmidt, Marshfield; two step-sons: Anthony Boyd and Christopher John Taylor, both of Merrill; two granddaughters: Brianna and Madelyn Zalizniak; and two brothers: Lloyd (Betty) Russell, and Bryan (Jo) Russell, both of Grants Pass, OR. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Brittney Lynn.
A Memorial Service will be held 6 PM Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Waid Funeral Home. The Rev. Nathan Kramer will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-6 PM also at the funeral home. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.