Russell Clar Barton, age 89 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Russell was born the third son of Ray and Clara (nee Bell) Barton in the village of Oxford, WI on February 2, 1921. After finishing school in Endeavor, WI he went to CCC camp in Necedah, WI. He was raised and worked in Packwaukee. In September of 1941, he went to work in Milwaukee at a printing company. On November 20, 1941, he married Edith Jungenberg. Their early years as a married couple were spent in Milwaukee and Dane, WI, where he worked at Badger Ordinance in Baraboo. In 1942, he entered the Army and was stationed at Camp Chaffee, Fort Knox and Camp Campbell. He was in the 14th Armored Division – 125th Engineers. Russell attended motorcycle school and was trained as a mechanic. Edith followed him to Louisville and Fort Knox, until he was shipped overseas. His unit landed in Marseille, France. The 14th Armored fought in Germany and France, repairing bridges and driving heavy trucks. During the Battle of the Bulge, he distinguished himself and earned a Bronze Star by shooting down an American plane that was captured by the Germans to strafe our troops. On Mother's Day 1943, he had a Battlefield Baptism in a barn, where they used a hay bale as an altar. He achieved the rank of T5.

After the war, he returned home to Edith and their two children, Jerry and Clela. They made their home in Beaver Dam, where they continued to reside until the present time. He was employed by Beaver Redi-Mix for 12 years, where he helped to build the plant and acquire their first trucks. After health issues arose, he acquired his next jobs at Janesville Auto Plant and the Beaver Dam Shell Plant. In 1953, he joined the Beaver Dam Police Force. He started as a foot patrol officer and worked his way up the ladder to become Beaver Dam's first detective. He retired in 1977. Wanting to keep busy, he drove school bus, retiring again after 12 years.

Russell had many outside interests. He was Scout Master for the Boy Scout troop of the Methodist Church from 1960 – 1967, where he especially enjoyed camping. Fishing and hunting were lifelong passions that he shared with family, with the last fishing trip being just 3 weeks ago with his son, Jerry. He also enjoyed spending good family times at the Barton reunions. Russell and Edith were well-traveled. They visited all 48 continental states, along with Alaska and Hawaii. They also visited all of the provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In 1978, they went with the 14th Armored Division to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France. They also visited Mexico and were snowbirds, having spent 18 winters in Fulton, Texas. Russell belonged to the Masonic Lodge, Trinity Church – United Methodist, and the American Legion Post #146. He was president of the 14th Armored Division, known as the liberators. Russell and Edith attended every reunion, since joining in 1977. On December 27, 2006, he fell and broke his hip. Although the doctor said he had only a year to survive, he fought to stay with us for 3 ½ years.

Russell is survived by his wife of 68 years, 9 months Edith of Beaver Dam; his son, Jerry (Diane) of Glen Haven, WI; his daughter, Clela (Gene) of Sussex, WI; four grandchildren, Christine (Brad) Flagge of Oak Creek; Kathy (Wes) Stultz of Oconomowoc, Clark Barton of Milwaukee and Cari (Brian) Baker of Lake Crescent, MN; and seven great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Kaitlynn, Samantha, Olivia, Alayna, Reagan and Lincoln. He is also survived by one sister, Lola; four brothers, Ernie (Evelyn), Donald (Carol), Lawrence (Dorothy) and Lyle (Nora); and many nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Clara; three sisters, Francis, Clara and Lila; and three brothers, Harold, Roy Jr. and Robert.

A Funeral Service for Russell will be held on Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Church – United Methodist, 308 Oneida Street, Beaver Dam with Rev. Eileen Kuehnl officiating. Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 12, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd, Beaver Dam, where American Legion Post #146 is invited for a walk-through at 6:00 p.m. There will also be visitation on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will take immediately following the service at the church. After the luncheon, burial will take place at Douglas Cemetery in Endeavor, WI.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Church – United Methodist radio broadcast fund.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of Hillside Manor for their excellent care.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.