Barbara Russell

Barbara J. Russell, age 77, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, with dignity and grace surrounded by family after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Phyllis Arndt, born August 21, 1948.

Barb graduated from St. Mary High School with the class of 1966, where she was a four-year varsity cheerleader. After graduation she began her career working at various credit unions in the area. Barb then moved to Madison for a period of time and traveled throughout Europe with family and friends. Eventually she returned to the Valley and met her soul mate, Jerry Russell, and they were married on September 4, 1971. She and Jerry became the proud parents of their daughter, Robin.

Throughout her battle with cancer, Barb embodied a strength of spirit and determination and lived her life with a positive attitude. With her family, Barb enjoyed Door County, boating and camping, visiting Florida numerous times in winter, and spending time in Winter Park, CO., where she took up downhill skiing. She also enjoyed day trips, reading, decorating, and tending to her gardens getting up with the sun and birds!! But Barb’s greatest accomplishment and joy was raising Robin and eventually sharing time with her grandson, Michael. At times she was strong-willed, and even stubborn, but those traits definitely were an asset in dealing with her cancer.

She will lovingly be remembered by her husband, Jerry; daughter, Doctor of Audiology, Robin (Joseph) Humphrey; and grandson, Michael. She is further survived by her siblings: Sharon (Martin) Gajdostik, William (Genny) Arndt, Christine (Joseph) Brantmeier, Janice (Charles) Jonson, Darlene Mortensen; and many nieces and nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents: Robert and Phyllis Arndt; in-laws: Jeanette and Walter Russell; brother-in-law, Michael Mortenson; step-brother-in-law, Harold Russell; and a nephew, Matthew Arndt.

Barbara never wanted the attention of her cancer to be the focus of her life, and rarely spoke of it. Instead, she will be remembered for her humor, laughter and generous heart and smile. 

The family would like to thank the Cherry Meadows Hospice team.

A Mass of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 2nd St., Menasha, with Fr. Matt Settle officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of service.