Russell Henry Elzen, 75, of Darlington, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Russell was born on December 30, 1950, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Henry Fredrick Elzen and Bonnie Lue (Johnson) Elzen. He grew up in Wiota, Wisconsin, and was a proud graduate of Black Hawk High School, where he learned the values that would guide him throughout his life. As a young man, he participated in 4-H and the Boy Scouts and was confirmed at Wiota Lutheran Church, where he remained a faithful member throughout his life.
Hard work was woven into Russell's life from the very beginning. His father founded Henry Elzen Trucking and Son on December 15, 1950, with two livestock racks, two milk can boxes, and two trucks. Before he was old enough to drive commercially, he spent countless hours doing odd jobs with the pickup truck. By the age of 15, Russell was already driving livestock trucks and learning every aspect of the family business. At 18, he earned his commercial license to haul legally throughout Wisconsin, and at 21, he began driving interstate, beginning a career that would span more than five decades.
From January 1970 through January 1976, Russell proudly served his country in the Wisconsin Army National Guard as a member of the 1158th Transportation Unit in Monroe as an E-5 Truck Driver.
On January 15, 1983, Russell founded Russell Elzen Trucking and Sons, carrying on the family tradition while building a legacy of his own. He began by hauling livestock before transitioning into milk hauling. In December 1984, he assumed the milk routes his father had built and eventually expanded the business to three full-time trucks and routes. Through determination, integrity, and an unmatched work ethic, Russell built a successful business and earned the respect of customers, fellow truckers, and friends throughout the region.
On August 18, 2007, Russell married Susan, the love of his life. Together they were truly two peas in a pod. They enjoyed life's simple moments, supported one another through every season, and shared a partnership built on unwavering love and devotion.
Russell was the proud father of three sons: Eric (Emily Garritson) Elzen, parents of Oliver and Jude; Jason (Katy) Elzen, parents of Abigail and Nicholas; and Carl (Emily) Elzen, parents of Avery and Kaylee. He also lovingly welcomed Susan's children into his heart as his own: Jeff (Cheryl) Tuescher, parents of Ben and Sommer; Mike (Tanya) Tuescher; and Amanda (Jason) Paulson. Russell is also survived by his sister, Christine (Scott) Parkinson, along with many extended family members, and lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.
His greatest pride was his family. He loved his boys deeply and was immensely proud of the men they became. He adored his grandchildren and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, whether it was cheering them on at soccer games, making memories outdoors, or simply sitting together watching Disney movies. Those moments brought him as much joy as anything in life.
When he wasn't working, Russell enjoyed hunting and fishing, cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers as a longtime football season ticket holder, and never missed an opportunity to root for the Green Bay Packers. He had a deep appreciation for history, especially World War II, enjoyed western movies and television shows, admired Tom Hanks, and could always be convinced to watch a Disney movie with his grandchildren.
Russell believed that respect, discipline, and keeping your word mattered. He taught by example, showing his children that success comes from hard work, perseverance, and taking responsibility. Whenever life presented a challenge, one of his favorite pieces of advice was, "You've got to grab the bull by the horns." Those words were more than advice—they were the way he lived.
In his final days, Russell shared words his family will carry forever. "This is where the driver drives away," he said with the quiet strength that had always defined him. And to his sons, he offered one last gift: "I'd like you to have one more ride with me." Those words will forever remind his family of the miles they traveled together, the lessons learned along the way, and the love that never ends.
Russell's legacy is not measured by the trucks he owned or the miles he drove, but by the family he raised, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, honesty, and example. His work ethic lives on in his children. His love lives on in his grandchildren. His memory will live on in every road traveled, every lesson remembered, and every challenge met with determination.
Though his seat is now empty, his journey continues through those who loved him. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church with Pastor Clayton Faulkner officiating. A visitation will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. until 11:15 A.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church. Burial will be held at West Wiota Cemetery at a later date. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com
