Eleanor G. Russell

Eleanor G. Russell,105, of Stewartville, MN. formerly a longtime Onalaska, WI resident,  died on Thursday (December 15, 2022) of natural causes, at  the Stewartville Care Center in Stewartville, MN where she had been a resident since 2019.

Eleanor Geneva Torgerson was born on November 23, 1917 in Holmen, WI to  Theodore and Ruth(Johnson) Torgerson.  She grew up in Onalaska, WI, attended school there, graduating from Onalaska HS in 1935. Eleanor was married in Lacrosse, WI  to Tharon Russell. The couple  owned and operated many businesses together and in a number of different locations -  a service station in Stoddard, WI,  an AW Drive-in in Minneapolis, a motel in Turtle Lake, MN and hotel in Valley City, ND and managed apartment buildings in Fargo, ND and Milwaukee, WI.   They retired together and lived in Onalaska for a number of years. Mr. Russell died on August 7, 2007. She enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles as recently as this year. She enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors and loved time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, great – grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Eleanor is survived by three daughters -  Diane Haga of Onalaska,WI; Barbara Oxley of  Buffalo,MN and Kathie (Tom) Martin of St. Charles,MO and 1 son -  Dennis (Brenda) Russell of Sandy,UT; 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren,  4 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband – Tharon, her parents,  1 sister, 3 brothers and 1 granddaughter.

In keeping with Eleanor’s wishes no service or visitation will take place. A private family burial and committal service will be held at Onalaska Cemetery in Onalaska,WI at a later date. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Eleanor are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eleanor G. Russell, please visit our floral store.