Doris "Dory" Mae Russell

Doris (Dory) Herrmann Russell age 95, passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 7, 2023, at Oakwood Village-Prairie Ridge in Madison WI where she resided since 2017. Dory was born on October 16, 1928, to Genevieve Fuller Herrmann and Walter W. Herrmann in Green Bay WI. She graduated from Green Bay East High School and attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville Illinois.

While working at the Alpine Resort in Door County WI, she met John (Jack) T. Russell. They were married in 1950 and later divorced. He preceded her in death in July 2000.

Following Jack’s career changes Dory made several moves to Wausau, De Pere, Pewaukee and Oconomowoc. She eventually landed back in her birthplace, Green Bay. In locations where she lived, she became actively involved in the community depending on the ages of her children at the time. Using her organizational skills those activities included the Boy and Girl Scouts, PTA, League of Women Voters, P.E.O., Learning in Retirement, Friends of the Green Bay Symphony, and her church council.

She held a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime including being a Blue Bonnet margarine lady at grocery stores, an entrepreneur opening a retail store for Oconomowoc Canning Company, a lifeguard and swim instructor for the YMCA in Green Bay and an optometric assistant. She also spent time helping family and friends in their retail businesses in De Pere, Lake Geneva and Egg Harbor.

Her hobbies included sewing, golf, tennis, swimming, and bridge. She was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan. Dory will be remembered as a talented seamstress, a competitive bridge player, an avid reader, a love for the symphony and her readiness for a travel adventure or a good party, many of which she planned and organized. Dory’s lifetime love for Door County has been one of the special joys she shared with her family and friends.

Dory is survived by her four children and spouses; Peggy (John) Simonis, Beaufort SC, Mary (Dave) Leary-Billing, Sturgeon Bay WI, John Russell (Allison), Austin Tx and James (Wendy) Russell, Lake Geneva WI; 6 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews from the Herrmann and Russell sides of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Genevieve and Walter Herrmann; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Anita Herrmann; son-in-law, Daniel Leary and on Jack’s side of the family, his mother Hazel Russell; sister-in-law Betty Kosmoski and nephew Steve Kosmoski, also several special dogs Dusty, Sadie and Maggie.

A memorial service will be held on April 9, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church 1954 County Rd U, Green Bay WI. 54313. Family and friends may visit from 9:00AM to 10:45AM with a service beginning at 11:00AM. The burial will be in Fort Howard Cemetery in Green Bay.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Wisconsin Public Radio, Peace Lutheran Church, the Friends of the Green Bay Symphony or Agrace Hospice Madison.