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Russell Dale Graunke Sr., age 89 years old, of Winneconne, WI, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

He was born on May 2, 1936, in Turtle Lake, WI to Emil and Mildred Graunke on the family’s dairy farm. A childhood rich in nature, hard work and fresh milk, the family was poor, especially after Mildred became a single mother when Russell was 13 years old. In 1952 He moved to Chicago, IL to join his brother Jerry to help support the family. Russell joined the U.S. Army serving his country in Germany. After, he began a long and successful career in manufacturing in the “Box Biz.”

On October 17, 1982, Russell married his soul mate, Shirley Jean Skafte of Neenah, WI. Inseparable and deeply in love, they traveled the world, delighted in spending time with family and friends, and built a beautiful home and life together in Winneconne, WI.

Russell will be remembered for his sense of humor, love of family, many friends, boating, fishing, golfing, and his adoration of his wife, Shirley.

Russell is survived by his wife, Shirley Jean Graunke; his children, Russell Dale (Ruth) Graunke Jr., Pamela Anne (Jay) Kilby, Paula Grace (Chris Foltman) Graunke, Katie (Andrew) Stone; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Gerald (Barbara) Graunke, James (Alison) Graunke, Mary (Johnny) Anderson, and Theresa (Wayne) Rylski; sister-in-law, Carol Ventura; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Mildred Graunke; and a brother, Robert Graunke.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church 6090 Harbour South (corner of Harbour South and Hwy 116) Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Kevin Heffernan officiating. Military honors will follow. Burial will be in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Winchester.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers of Heartland Hospice and Home Instead for their care, compassion, support and kindness shown to Russell.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family, If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.