Janice M. Russell, 77, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, NY. She had been vacationing with friends at Niagara Falls and suffered a sudden heart attack.
Jan was born Oct. 18, 1934 in Eau Claire to the late Albert & Lena (Blank) Walter. She married J. Philip Russell on Aug. 18, 1975 in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death March 16, 2001.
Jan was an Eau Claire High School graduate. She moved to Durand where she lived and worked until the early 1960’s. Jan moved to Wausau for a short time then continued north to Merrill where she’s lived for the past 45 years. Jan had worked at Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, Bill’s House of Guns and Wal-Mart. She was very active in charity work where she knitted mittens, baby caps and booties for Head Start and the Marshfield Clinic. Jan was also very active at St. John Lutheran Church where she was a member. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and the Merrill Senior Center. Jan enjoyed spending time doing all kinds of crafts and needlework.
Survivors include her daughter, Kay (Kevin) Rolfes, Austin, TX; sisters, Beatrice Peterson and Alice Richter, both of Eau Claire; brothers, Glenn Walter, Chisholm, MN, and Larry (Kathie) Walter, Erie, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Phil, son, Kerry Koller and brother, Clint.
A Memorial Service was held Sunday, Sept. 2, at Waid Funeral Home. The Rev. Nathan Kraemer officiated. Burial will be at a later date in St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Jan’s memory to the Senior Center (Merrill Area Community Enrichment Center) or the charity of your choice.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.