Russell H. Reffue, 88, of Friendship, WI, died on September 2, 2011 at Villa Pines Living Center after a long illness.
Russell was born in Manchester Township, Boone Co., IL on September 22, 1923. He was the son of the late Herman A. Reffue and Clara (Greenbeck) Talmadge. He married Katherine A. Farina on February 21, 1943, at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI.
During World War II he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces, and was stationed in Italy and Sicily. He received the Victory Medal WWII American Theater Ribbon, Fame Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal. After serving overseas, he was stationed in Washington D.C. as a driver for Admiral Bull Halsey, and others. Russell was then employed at Fairbanks Morse for 14 years and Beloit Foundry for 25 years before he retired.
He is survived by his wife Katherine of Villa Pines, Friendship, WI; his son Raymond (Debbie) Reffue of Roscoe, IL; his daughter Clarissa (Bernard) Anderson of Beloit, WI; granddaughter Sherry (Mike) Machones of Beloit, WI; granddaughter Jennifer Anderson of Loves Park, IL; grandson Jason (Holley) Reffue of Tennessee; grandson Jullian Reffue of Louisiana; grandson Miguel Reffue of Illinois; and several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family is grateful for the compassionate and respectful care Russell received at Villa Pines Living Center. Heartfelt thanks goes to Pastor Nelson and the congregation of United In Christ Lutheran Church of Dellwood, WI.
A memorial service will be held at United In Christ Lutheran Church in Dellwood, WI, on September 9, 2011, at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Military honors will be presented by the Adams County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to United In Christ Lutheran Church of Dellwood, WI.