William “Bill” Russell

BOSCOBEL - William (Bill) Russell, age 59, joined his parents and brother and his Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven on October 23, 2025. He was born April 30, 1966, to Paul and Harriet Russell in Boscobel.

Bill grew up on the family farm in Homer, raising goats for a number of years. He attended Boscobel Schools, after which he joined his dad working at the Boscobel Cemetery for 30 years. During this time Bill also started a lawn mowing/snow removal business. He enjoyed riding the tractor, mowing and giving people directions for finding a grave in the cemetery. When he started losing his sight, he had to give up working. He moved into a group home for 11 months before moving to Boscobel Care and Rehab.

Bill was a lifelong member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Fennimore. They recognized him for being their faithful Sunday morning opener. He unlocked all the doors, put the heat on, greeted people and handed out bulletins, before his sight forced him unable to do so.

Bill is survived by his siblings: Barbara Thyren, Boscobel, Beverly (Ed) DeLapp, Pineville, MO, Betty (Tom) Howes, Ogilvie, MN, Bonnie (Tony) Malven, Cresco, IA, and Briant (Marcia) Russell, Boscobel; and many nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, parents, brother Benjamin, brother-in-law David Thyren, and great niece Adelynn DeLapp.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Homer Cemetery or Boscobel Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Troy and Kristina at Larson Family Funeral Home and Bill’s Agrace Care Team and Boscobel Care and Rehab for their care over the past year.