Russell Harvey Gilbert Jr.

Russell Harvey Gilbert, age 76, of Rolling Ground, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 9:15 am surrounded by his wife, daughters, and one grandchild. Russell was born October 16, 1947, to the late Lorraine McGuire Gilbert and Russell Harvey Gilbert Sr. in Hartford, Connecticut. He was the first of their five children.

Russell spent much of his childhood outside in the woods, hunting, and establishing his first trapline. He learned to play saxophone thanks to the generous support of his favorite aunt and uncle, Rita McGuire Roberge and Bud (Napoleon) Roberge. He graduated high school in 1965 from Rockville High, then earned his BA in Education from Western Connecticut State College. There he met Patricia McKenna, and they were married on February 26, 1972. Four years later they embarked on the next chapter of their lives, moving to the “white house” outside of Readstown. From 1979 through 1984 they welcomed into the world their three daughters.

As a math and science teacher, “Mr. G” introduced middle and junior high students to the scientific method, how to do a proper handshake, the wonders of The Exploratorium, and many other life and school lessons. His ability to engage students, his enthusiasm, high standards, and intimidating monobrow stare made an impression on the thousands of students he taught over his 32+ year career. He was honored with a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching in 1990.

A saxophonist from the age of 12, Russell applied his love of lifelong learning to one of his greatest passions: music. He played in the jazz band Cheers, as part of the Jim Gorman Trio, the Kristie Knapp Band, and the Jack Russell Trio. Most recently he collaborated with local musician Dylan Harris.

Russell’s love for and engagement with the natural world was shared with students, family, and friends. He was an avid deer, turkey, and pheasant hunter; he loved to take his grandkids fishing for trout in the streams or bluegill in the lakes. Every morning in the winter, he would see the sunrise from his trapline. Every spring he would gather sap from the maple trees, make syrup, and pass it along to friends and family. His hobbies and teaching converged with the maple syrup and pie-making businesses that sprung up at North Crawford in the 1990s and 2000s. His wild hickory nut butter business summed up the way many of us feel about his passing: This is Nuts!

Russell is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia, and his daughters and grandchildren: Faye, husband John and children Ethan Russell and Annika Lodore; Phoebe, partner Chris and children Elias Luken and Lillian Lorraine; Martha, husband Andrew and children Nova Steelbright, Escher James, and Loka Bones. He is also survived by his sisters Donna Gilbert Kaiser (husband Jimmy Kaiser) and Debora Gilbert Santos (husband Victor Santos), brothers Richard Gilbert (wife Dianne Gilbert) and Brian Gilbert, and many loving nieces, nephews, and grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, family are welcome to donate to a scholarship fund in Russell’s name or to donate to the Kickapoo Cultural Exchange.

Russell’s family’s hearts are full with gratitude for the beautiful community of friends from the Driftless area who have cared for, worked with, and played with him over the years.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills. A Celebration of Russell’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, at the new Gays Mills Community Center. All are welcome. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Russell's family

325 Sunset Ridge Ave.

Gays Mills, WI 54631

608-735-2100