Russell Garfield

Our father, Russell Garfield, died on July 12, 2007 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield at the age of 79 following a brave battle with CNS lymphoma. To sum up our dad, he was a humble man who had a kind heart. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, provider, advisor and trainer. Russell was born on June 27, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Russell and Olga Garfield. He grew up in Tomahawk and Owen, Wisconsin with his parents and sister, Emily. Having lost his father early in life, and then, his mother when he was a teen, he managed to grow up well despite those challenges. He played left tackle for Owen High School's football team, helping them reach the finals. After graduation, he moved to Buffalo Grove, Illinois to find work and met our mother, Rosalie, at a church picnic. They married on Aug. 24, 1949 in Lake Zurich, Illinois. He built our home there and raised all twelve of us, later moving part of the family to Tomahawk. He and Rosalie had a big job with our large family, but they taught us important life skills of compassion, responsibility, a strong work ethic and sharing. Russ was a carpenter by trade, having built quality homes, as well as churches, schools and other commercial buildings. He was a very skilled craftsman and took great pride in his creations. Most important to our father was his family and his work. He trained his sons to carry on his construction business. For many years they worked side by side, complimenting each others strengths. They made him proud. Russ enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, hunting, large family get togethers, his dog, Rover and his workshop. Occasionally, he and Rosalie would take long trips to explore Arizona and Montana and well as other destinations. He became very knowledgeable about the Native Americans and their culture. His accomplishments have included writing local history articles for the Tomahawk Leader in addition to building cabinetry and special projects for the Tomahawk School District. Survivors include, his loving wife of 58 years, Rosie. His children, Russell, Jr. (Angie) Garfield, Kathy (Tom) Contri all of Spring Grove, Il, Pamela (Dan) Mowers of Wilmington, IL, William (Melody) Garfield of Mesa, AZ, Richard (Gloria) Garfield of Fox Lake, Il, Wanda Garfield of Freeport, IL, Donna (Don) Powell of Dallas, TX, Christine (Mike) Massa, Charles (Julie) Garfield, Beverly (Red) Ingman, Ted (Sheryl) Garfield all of Tomahawk and Benjamin Garfield of Johnsburg, IL. Russ is further survived by 29 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren and his sister, Emily of Mt. Airy,MD as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Russ was a simple man who loved simple things. Through his love of nature and wildlife, all of his family learned to value the beauty of life. Whether it was a huge blackberry patch to be picked for Mom's special pie, seeing a doe and her fawn lying safely nearby, hearing the unique call of a loon or spotting the early signs of spring. These are experiences that will always remind us of our father, Russell Garfield. "Travel light" for now, dear Dad. A Time of remembrance will held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at the Nokomis Town Hall. A luncheon will follow