Russell Duane Schut

Russell Duane Schut, age 64, of Clinton, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 21, 2024 after being overtaken in a brief battle with a newly diagnosed aggressive cancer.

Russell was born August 3, 1960 in Yankton, SD to Harlan and Edna (Mesman) Schut. Russell graduated from Clinton High School in 1978 and obtained an associate’s degree in accounting from Blackhawk Technical College shortly thereafter. He married Sara (Aldrich) on September 25, 1982. It was Russell’s dream to open a bridal shop, Russair’s Veils and Tails, in downtown Clinton. He and Sara happily ran it for 27 years.

In 1985, Russell was diagnosed with a brain tumor which began a lifelong journey of health and medical challenges. He never let these lifelong challenges get in the way of having fun, enjoying life, and traveling.

Russell and Sara were blessed with two sons, Bryan and Jarod, with whom he shared his love of traveling. They went on many family trips, Russell’s favorite being a cruise to the Baltic Sea with a stop in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russell’s favorite souvenir from the various places they would visit was logo pins from the Hard Rock Café, another passion he shared with his boys. Russell and Sara were able to travel until the very end, returning from a Danube and Rhine River cruise on August 4. Russell’s most cherished moments were spent with his family, including his daughter in law, Alicia (Jarod) and two grandsons, Cayman and Atlas. He looked forward to Sunday afternoons when they would get together for lunch and play a game of Ticket to Ride.

Russell was an active member at the Emerald Grove Congregational United Church of Christ where he enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was a gentle man who showed his faith in the way he lived his life and walked with the Lord. Russell faced down all the challenges of his earthly life with his faith, kindness, and the choice to be happy in all that he was given.

Russell is survived by his wife, Sara, of 42 years, sons Bryan and Jarod (Alicia); two grandsons Cayman Russell and Atlas Michael. His mother, Edna and brother Curtis (Debbie) and many other family members. He was predeceased by his father Harlan Schut, parents in law, Percy and Joyce (Vant) Aldrich.

Funeral services will be at EMERALD GROVE CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 8527 East US Highway 14, Janesville at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Pastor Bill Whitford will officiate. Burial will be in Clinton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2024 at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville and at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the church.

The Schut family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.