Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis.

After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working as a machinist for Spacesaver in Fort Atkinson, helping grow the company from a small business on old Highway 26 into a global manufacturer of high-density mobile storage systems. Russ retired from Spacesaver in 2000.

Russell was an avid hunter who loved to bow hunt deer and turkey, and of course he loved to fish. Russ also made many of his own fly-fishing lures, which he enjoyed using. He had his own wood-working shop and built many wood toys, chairs, and dressers.

He is survived by his wife Avis Johnson; children Russell and Sheryl Johnson, Steven and Dawn Johnson, and Laramie Hanson (Keith Kurtz); grandchildren Valerie and Michael Stitt, Ashley Hanson (Mike “Sully” Sullivan), Derek Johnson (Brianna McIntosh), Alyce Johnson (Nate Wright), and Kyle Johnson; great-grandchildren Breanna Tellefson (Colin) and Aleen Sullivan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer O. and Mildred (Hanewold) Johnson; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Beatrice “Bea” Mogensen and Robert “Bob” Mogensen, and Eleanor C. Gray and Charlie “Gunda” Gray, and his son, Wesley Wagner.

A future celebration of life will take place to honor Russell’s life.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is proudly serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.