Russell Saari Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Russell Saari of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, who passed away on August 18, 2025 at the age of 66. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Russell M. Saari and June Saari (DuCharme); his sister Debra Steffen; and his stepson Monte Thompson. He is survived by: his wife Jeannine Ludtke Palenshus; his sons, Russ Saari (Rachel Beles) of Beloit, WI and Matthew Saari of Delavan; his stepsons, Jeremiah Thompson of Baraboo, WI, Josh Thompson (Sara) of Delavan and Dustin Palenshus (Sara) of Brooklyn, WI; his grandchildren, Eirik, Samantha, Vanessa, Eliot, Isaiah, Emanuelle, Steven, Jaylyn, Ayden, Layla and Kal; his siblings, Kurt Saari (Barb) of Elkhorn, John Saari of Madison and Pam Saari of Milwaukee; and his brothers-in-law, Craig Steffen of Burlington, Bill Ludtke (Ellen) of Delavan and Larry Ludtke (Juanita) of Baraboo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and his many loving cats.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Toledo Keeping the Faith Cat Sanctuary, W6189 N. Walworth Rd., Walworth, WI, 53184.
