Russell `Russ` Hasenbalg
Russell `Russ` Hasenbalg , Age 97
Russell Philipp Hasenbalg, 97, of Baraboo, Wisconsin took his final flight on Monday, January 20, 2025, with clear skies, no chance of precipitation and his family by his side. A pilot for over 50 years, Russell was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 9, 1927, to Frances Philipp and Albert LeRoy “Roy” Hasenbalg.
In 1932, the family, including his younger sister Pat, moved to Pittsburgh when his father was transferred to WKDA radio in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Russ loved spending time playing in the station’s prop room making sound effects like thunder (shaking a metal sheet), footsteps (shoes on wood or carpeted panels) and galloping horses (coconut shells). Thus began his lifelong love for radio programs and classical and big band music. Sadly, their lives would be forever changed after 1939. Roy passed away at just 36 years of age and the family of three returned to Chicago. While devastating, their move to the Austin neighborhood in Chicago would signal a new and happy chapter in their lives. Frances met and married the handsome and kind, Hank Nessel, who provided stability and love to Russ and Pat as if they were his very own children. Their family grew when a sister, Babette, arrived a few years later. Pat had become best friends with her neighbor, Betty Tierney. Russ paid no attention to his sister’s friend until one day he saw her in a new light, and possibly a swimsuit, while on a visit to their grandparents’ resort at Devil’s Lake. “Who is that?!” he would ask his sister, who explained it was her best friend Betty, his Chicago neighbor. And that was it, he’d met the woman who would become the love of his long life.
On May 9, 1945, Russ turned 18 and like many men of the greatest generation, was drafted to serve in WWII. Because of his machinery experience and his ability to build and repair any type of engine or gun, he was assigned to the Ordnance. After serving four years he was set to return to Chicago and marry Betty. His mother explained there was little to no work in the States given the return of so many soldiers. Russ made the decision to re-enlist and was deployed to serve in the Korean War from 1950 – 1951, postponing marriage until he “returned in once piece”. Betty and Russ were married soon after his return, on January 26, 1952, and began their family in Chicago.
In the summer of 1953, they purchased Bonnie View Resort at Devil’s Lake State Park from the original proprietors, his grandparents, Clarissa and Albert Hasenbalg, who built each of the housekeeping cottages. They successfully ran the resort, while expanding their family to four children. After selling their resort and moving into town, Russ began his career as a Tinner, advancing to foreman overseeing the heating and air conditioning systems of many complex buildings throughout Madison, Milwaukee and Janesville. Russ was a proud and active member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union #18 for nearly 60 years. Commuting daily by car, Betty would pack a sandwich, a piece of fruit, snack and a thermos of coffee for his lunch box.
Russ learned how to fly from Lloyd Bell, who with his wife Evelyn, founded the Baraboo Airport. Once a licensed pilot he partnered with close friend Gordie Solles, to purchase his first airplane for $750, a 1940 Taylorcraft. In 1972 he built his next airplane, a Baby Ace. He purchased a Tailwind in need of a complete rebuild and once completed in 1994 it was awarded the Paul Poberezny Founders Award, “Best Restoration of Classic Custom-Built Aircraft”. After a “rough” landing on frozen Lake Wisconsin, the plane was rendered unflyable. Nearby ice fisherman worried for the life of the pilot were surprised when he exited the plane unscathed and not happy. Not to be deterred he built another Tailwind improving on the design with a tricycle gear improving visibility and trimmed the wing design making it faster and more fuel efficient.
Russ’s interests were broad. He was a voracious reader finishing nearly 60 years of National Geographic magazines, decades of EAA Sport Aviation and countless books and newspapers. He enjoyed decades of deer hunting on the Christmas tree farm of his good friend Bob McGann. A lifelong Democrat, remaining informed and current was an important value he instilled in his children which now totaled five. The family knew not to talk during the news or to call the house on Sunday at 6 p.m. and risk interrupting 60 Minutes.
Being of service was fundamental to Russ and Betty and they were members of many organizations. Russ’s commitments included the Elks Lodge, where he held each of the four chair officer positions and Exhaulted Ruler twice; American Legion, VFW including Military Funeral Service with Honors, Flags to cemetery servicemen and Funeral Committee. Russ donated over 16 gallons of blood to the Red Cross.
In recognition of his military service Russ, chaperoned by his son Russell “Tom”, participated in a 2012 trip to Washington D.C. with other Veterans as part of a Badger Honor Flight. In 2021, at 94, Russ nimbly climbed up and into the seat of a Boeing Stearman biplane for a Dream Flight, honoring military veterans.
Russ was preceded in death by Betty, his loving wife of 66 years; his father, Albert Leroy Hasenbalg; mother, Frances Nessel; stepfather, Hank Nessel; mother and father in-law, Thomas and Jeanette Tierney; sister Patricia Leo; nieces and nephews gone too soon.
Russ is survived by his sister, Babette DeWitt; his children and their spouses, Cathy and Tom Zinkie, Kim Hasenbalg, Karen and Mark Gasser, Russ and Laurie Hasenbalg, Lisa Hasenbalg and Jef Biesinger; special daughter, Lisa Drescher; many beloved nieces and nephews who will deeply miss their Uncle Russ; grandchildren and their spouses, Greg Zinkie, Stephanie and Dan Beardsley, Blythe and Trevor Robbins, Shannon and Egon Casteel, Stacey and Jon Peters, Kristen and Ryan Marheine, Marcus and Lindsey Montgomery, Tim Gasser and Shelly Gasser; great grandchildren, Miranda Zinkie, Brooke and Cole Beardsley, Edwin Robbins, Brianna and Austin Peters, Rylee & Jordan Marheine, Jaxon and Scarlytt Montgomery, Tabitha Gasser, and Cloe Triggs; great-great grandchildren, Quinton and Grayson Green and Alayah Morales-Triggs.
The family would like to thank Dr. Nathan Mustain and his nurse Linda, for their incredible care, and much gratitude to every Team Member of Oak Park Place whose compassion will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 from 4 – 7 pm and Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 10 – 11 am, followed by brief Funeral at 11 am at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Baraboo Area Veterans Honor Guard.
Condolences
Ronda L Heiser January 22, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed
Linda Schenck January 22, 2025
Acquaintance Baraboo
My sincere condolences to everyone now missing this great man. He was a remarkable man and a stellar human being. The world was made better by his presence in it!
Sue Schreiber Gogue & Buddy Gogue January 22, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
At Veterans’ programs/breakfasts, we were so glad Russ was recognized for his services. He was definitely part of the “Greatest Generation”! We appreciated Russ’s friendly and welcoming interactions with Jim at Oak Park.
2nd floor lounge at Oak Parkfriends January 22, 2025
friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
We'll all miss Russ. He put up with our warped senses of humor and many times added to it!! He was always so pleasant and never spoke I'll of anyone..
Michael & Jo Ann Heiser January 22, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. Russ was a great guy. We knew Russ and Betty for many years. I always called Betty mom. Both are deeply missed.
Cheryl Shoush January 22, 2025
Friend of Karen Scottsdale , Arizona
Karen, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad but…what a life he had.
Laura Moffit January 22, 2025
Friend of son Lake Delton , Wisconsin
Russ and Laurie, Im so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He sure seemed to be a remarkable man. Blessings to you both and your family.
Pamela Zeman January 22, 2025
Family friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Condolences to the Hasenbalg family. Wishing you peace and comfort during this time of loss
Robbi Zimmerman January 23, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So Sorry for your loss ! Both your parents were always good friends to my parents ! Thanks for your friendship ! Love, Robbi Z
Kathy hill January 23, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Your Mom and Dad were icons in this community. The lights of Baraboo are a little dimmer with their passing.
Steve and Denise Zinkie January 23, 2025
Friend Yorkville , Illinois
Sorry for your loss, Russ lived a long and full life and he will be missed. Reading the eulogy was a very good recap of his and Betty's life story, very good write-up..
Judy Taylor January 23, 2025
Friend & neighbir of Laurie and Russ Rock , Wisconsin
To the family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know your Dad is finally reunited with your Mom and he is at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy Harvey January 23, 2025
Neighbor from Baraboo Portage , Wisconsin
He was such a magnificient man of many talents. I have to be honest, when the Smith kids we were growing up as neighbors to Russ we hardly ever saw him as he was always off to work day and night it seemed. Spent many years around their house with Betty Boop and the Hasenbalg kids. So many great memories of that family. So happy we were able to see and visit with him a few years ago. Always had a smile on his face and was so friendly.
Butch and Dixie Frawley January 23, 2025
Friends Reedsburg , Wisconsin
We send our deepest sympathy. He will live on through his family with lots of great memories of him.
Peter January 23, 2025
Uncle Davis , Illinois
I am so thankful I was able to see Russ last Saturday. Russ was able to crack some jokes, talk, and Reminiscence about his life. Our conversation reminded me of Russ’s dedication to all those who went before him. No one embodied to me more of “greatest generation” than Russ. A true role model in every aspect of life, who never asked for anything more than he was able to give himself. The legacy of a Father is his children, and that was very evident in his Family’s unselfish devotion and love around Russ the last couple of years of his life. Russ wanted nothing more than to have peace and to be reunited with his True and final love, my Aunt Betty. That is Russ’s final reward for his years of dedication and service to his family and friends.
Don and Mary Small January 23, 2025
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our deepest sympathy to Russ' family in his passing.
Kathy Davis January 23, 2025
Cousin Oxdrift, Ontario
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was an amazing man- a life well lived.
Badger Honor Flight January 23, 2025
friend Madison , Wisconsin
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Russell Hasenbalg. We are forever grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Alan Gordon & Richard Mateja January 23, 2025
friend Chicago , Illinois
Dear Lisa, to you and all of your family we extend our condolences and depest sypathy for the loss of not only your father, but your buddy and a truly wonderful indivivdual. It was a joy to read about your dad's full life. We send all of you much love, Alan & Richard
Charlotte Snyder January 23, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sorry for your loss! Prayers are with everyone!
Cari Hornbeck January 23, 2025
Friend Portage
So sorry for your loss. Your parents were amazing people!! Sending love, hugs and prayers your way.
Trudy Mara January 23, 2025
Friend of grand daughter and great grand daughter Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed reading his great obituary: he was quite a fellow. What a great and full life he had.
Debra Krueger Yngsdal January 24, 2025
1971 classmate Sauk city , Wisconsin
Cathy and families….i am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I remember your parents well. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time
Dion Dyer January 24, 2025
Aviation Friend Dallas , Texas
My condolences to Russ' family and many friends upon the loss of a wonderful patriarch, true friend and great craftsman. The airplanes that he built and restored embody perfection; and his thoughts and advice could be counted on and treasured as state of the art.
James January 27, 2025
Friend of Pat Leo. Santa Ana , California
God's blessings and Peace for the entire family.
Tom Tierney January 27, 2025
nephew Ellettsville , Indiana
I was always impressed with Uncle Russ's easy manner of dealing with people: friendly, confident, and calm. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Jodi Barmash January 28, 2025
Friend of Lisa Hasenbalg Woburn , Massachusetts
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Your Dad led an amazing life. Xoxo
Pat Steinhorsts January 31, 2025
Friend of Russ jr. Baraboo , Wisconsin
Your dad led an extraordinary life. God speed to him on his new adventures.
Deborah Herman February 01, 2025
Relative on Tierney side Crown Point , Indiana
wow. What an amazing life and man. He packed a lot over his years and impacted so many lives. I’m sorry for your loss. May you keep his memories alive in your mind.
Debbie Running February 05, 2025
Friend Waukesha , Wisconsin
Russ was my mom, Shirley Hess's, neighbor at Oak Park. He was a nice man and would share his newspaper with her when he was done with it