Russell B. Drake

Russell B. Drake, age 82, of De Pere, passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after an extended and courageous battle with dementia. Russ was born June 13, 1942 in Wausau, WI, son of the late Russell G. and Grace R. (Radloff) Drake and was a graduate of DC Everest High School, Class of 1960.

Russ continued his education at UW-Stevens Point, earning his Bachelor's Degree in 1965. Russell was united in marriage to Irene Zastrow in July 13, 1963. He later married Shirley Stodola (nee Doell), July 15, 1984 at Faith Lutheran Church, Green Bay, WI and they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last year. Russell retired from Van Boxtel RV as a sales manager after many dedicated years of service.

Russell was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and camping. One of his favorite joys was feeling the heat from a warm fire. He also enjoyed golfing, football and baseball. Russ and Shirley were fortunate to have traveled to many destinations, including Alaska, Ireland, Australia and the Bahamas. His faith was very important to him and he was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Russell is survived by his wife, Shirley; 7 children: Todd (Nancy) Drake, Bret (Naomi) Drake, Laurie (Alan) Wright, Debra (Michael Schultz) Nielsen, Dan Stodola, Amy Butterbrodt and Denise (Kevin) Adamczak; 11 grandchildren: Brandon (Ashli) Dehn, Michelle (Aaron) Russell, Angela (Brandon) Marquardt, Thomas Drake, Erika (fiancée, Alejandro) Drake, Miranda (fiancée, Connor), Breanna and Alana Adamczak, Aubrey, Aleah and Andrea Butterbrodt and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Kathy (Charles) Pufahl and a great-granddaughter, Cambryia.

Visitation will be held at Faith Lutheran Church (2335 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay, WI), Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 9 to 11 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Joshua Errer, officiant. Burial will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Luxemburg, WI.

Russell's family would like to extend their gratitude to the 8th floor staff at Bellin Hospital, especially Kyle and LaShawna, for their care and compassion.