Joel Tracy Russell

Joel Tracy Russell, 82, passed away on Sunday evening, April 18, 2010 at Christopher House Hospice Austin. A gentleman with a big heart and a strong will to make the world a better place; he was much loved by all who knew him. Joel was born March 17, 1928 in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the son of Cecil and Doris Jones Russell. After high school he attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He enlisted in the army in March of 1951 and served in Italy until his discharge in March of 1954. He married Helen Marguerite Helm from Java, South Dakota on March 18, 1952 in a fierce snowstorm. On his return from the military he graduated from Stout State University with a degree in Industrial Education. He began his professional career with Jostens Inc. in 1956. He and Helen had two sons, Mark and Timothy. The family lived in Owatonna and Redwing, Minnesota, Painesville, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana- moving with his work assignments. He joined John Roberts Inc. and in 1967 moved to Austin, Texas where the family settled. In the late 70's Russell became a realtor eventually opening his own firm, Chaparral Realty. He finished his career as a realtor with Coldwell Banker. His wife Helen passed away in July 1999 of ovarian cancer. A few years later Joel married Kathryn Wachs on September 24, 2005. They had a full life together, working, traveling, volunteering and keeping up with friends and family. Kathryn passed away suddenly on June 4, 2009. Joel was deeply involved in St. David's Episcopal Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and serving on the vestry. He was a volunteer for many organizations; ushering for cultural events from the Austin Symphony to the Rude Mechs. He was also a committed ecologist and vigorous advocate for recycling, responsible for helping establish the St. David's Environmental Guild. Joel is survived by his sons Mark Russell, his wife Jennifer Goodale and their son Nicholas Russell of New York City, Timothy Russell and his wife Dr. Margaret McPhee of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, their children, Rebecca, Bethanne and Wayne and grandchildren; Kayla, Deirdre, Jillian, and Christopher. Kathryn's daughters Teresa Wachs, Debbie Puder, Mary Joiner, and Nancy Herbert and beloved grandchildren Shelby Herbert and Brandon Palmer, and two great grandchildren Grace and Glory Palmer as well as numerous nieces and nephews including Carla Helm who was especially close to the family. His brothers John and Charles Russell, and sister Barbara survive him. A celebration of Joel Russell's life will be held on Saturday, April 24th at 3pm at St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th Street. A reception will be held after. Memorial gifts maybe made to St. David's Episcopal Church, Hospice Austin or Ecology Action. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com