Russell Gennusa

Russell Joseph Gennusa, 70, died at the V.A. Hospital in Madison, WI on Sunday, November 25 following a very short illness. A lifelong resident of Freeport, Russ was born January 19, 1942 the son of Joseph and Concetta (Tripodi) Gennusa. Russ married Bonnie (Sunday) Kuntz on October 1, 1988. He joined the Navy after graduating from Freeport High in 1960. In school he was a member of the Eliminator'™s Car Club. Russ went onto graduate from Paint and Fender school in Omaha, NE and owned his own body shop in Freeport. He also held numerous jobs he enjoyed, and worked for the City of Freeport as the Animal Control Officer before retiring in 2004. Memberships included the Moose Club, Eagles and Germania. He had a love for his social life and many friends with his wife. Russ held a special place in his heart for his church family at St. John UCC. Friends Forever Humane Society always remained one of his favorite places to look in on and support. Russ loved his wife and grandchildren more than anything else, always putting them before everything and making sure each one felt special. Russ enjoyed dancing, cooking, casinos, gardening, garage sales and flea markets. He loved traveling to see cousins and extended family and also playing cards. Russ is survived by his wife Bonnie, mother Concetta, two sons Mark and Mike (Lorie), two daughters Amy (Troy) Brinkmeier and Jill Kuntz. His brother Don (Jennifer), brother-in-law Roger (Betty) Mershon, sister-in-law Linda (Larry) Overstreet and niece Jodie (Steve) Murray. His grandchildren are Teanna, Anthony and Brook Gennusa, Logan and Dylan Kuntz, Zach Moyer and Nathan Brinkmeier. Russ had many extended families of nieces and nephews that he also loved dearly, plus a great-grandaughter due in January. He also leaves his favorite little 'pest' Muffin. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Joseph, Uncle James Tripodi, Aunt Virginia (Gennusa) Tripodi, and sister-in-law Maribeth Greer. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday December 3, 2012 at St. John U.C.C. 1010 South Park Blvd. with Rev. Donnley Dutcher officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at St. John U.C.C., and also from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established his memory. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.