Russell Bytell Jr. Funeral Service Video

Russell Bytell Jr. Military Honors Video

Russell Lee Bytell Jr., devoted husband, father and Papa, age 53 of New London, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 30, 2025. Russell was born on April 4, 1972 to Rusty Bytell Sr. and Donna (Lewis) McLain.  He grew up in the northwoods of Laona, always choosing to take the back roads. Shortly after graduating from Laona with the Class of 1990, he entered the US Army.  Russell proudly served his country from 1991 – 1994 as a tank crewman.  While serving in the Army, Russell married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Jessica Evans on July 6, 1992 in El Paso, TX.  He loved putzing in his garage, surrounded by his Milwaukee tools and tending his chickens.  He was notorious for starting many projects, rarely fully completing them, but making sure they were "mostly functional."  Rusty and Jessi built a beautiful life together.  His creativity and skill in woodworking earned him the affectionate nickname "wood hoarder".  Every piece he touched carried his signature passion and care. They worked together in their business venture, J.E.B. and that was very important to him and was their retirement plan. In his "spare time", Russell worked a full time job for the Waupaca County Sheriff's Department as a correctional sergeant.  He had an incredible sense of humor and never took life too seriously.  He loved playing pranks on just about everyone he knew.  Some of Russell's interest included "Big Sexy" - his Chevy truck, his Harley, Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers and morning coffee with Jessi.  Above all, Russell loved spending time with his family, especially watching his grandchildren in their many activities.

Russell is survived by his wife, Jessi; his daughter, Ally (Kevin) Byrum and son, Connor (Hanna) Bytell; grandchildren, his "Dirty Foot Byrums", Peyton, Mason and Ema; grandpups, Belle, Hank and Scout; his parents; step-father, James McLain, Sr.; siblings, Jimmy (Tammy) McLain, Jason "Stu" McLain  and Sonya (Jesse) Tenor, Jacque (Doug) Belland and David Evans. Russell is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and his second family, the Waupaca County Sheriff's Department.

Russell was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Paul and Sandy Evans; his grandparents; special dog, Boomer; nephew, Austin Schrimpf and infant brother, Joshua McLain.

The Funeral Service for Russ will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London.  Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Military Honors and Law Enforcement Honors will be held during and following the service at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank the emergency room nursing staff at Aspirus Merrill Hospital and the Lincoln County Coroner Valerie Caylor.