Russell D. Blyth, 93, Whitewater, formerly Burlington, died Aug. 8, 2015, at Fairhaven Health & Rehab in Whitewater.
He was born in Chicago on Oct. 23, 1921, to the late Robert and Jessie (Davis) Blyth. He spent his early life in Chicago where he graduated from Taft High School.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II serving as a cryptographer.
On April 24, 1943, he married Ivadelle “Ivy” Johnson. Following marriage they made their home in Chicago, Hinsdale, Ill., and Littleton, Colo., before moving to Burlington in 1971 while raising five boys along the way. Ivy preceded him in death on May 10, 2000.
He worked as vice president of sales at Grabler Pipefitting in Chicago and Colorado, and as a sales rep for his own company D & B Sales before working as director of sales for Lavelle Rubber.
He was a member of Cross Lutheran Church, former Post Commander of the Burlington American Legion, former member and Eyesight Chairman of Burlington Lions Club, where he was a Melvin Jones award recipient.
He was an active member with the Burlington Masonic Lodge, was a Master Mason with the Hinsdale Masonic Lodge for over 50 years as well as a member of the Scottish Rite. He and Ivy were also known for their countless hours of volunteer service in the Burlington area.
Survivors include his sons, Bruce (Melissa) Blyth, Jeffrey (Pamela) Blyth, Richard (Shelley) Blyth, Thomas (Rebecca) Blyth, and Rev. Steven (Gayle) Blyth; sister, Shirley Hammock; grandchildren, Melissa, Jessica, Eric, Kristopher, Alex, Kirsten, Hannah, Elizabeth, Nicci, Christopher and Patrick; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
He was further preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Blyth, Jack Blyth, and sisters, Joyce Ulrich and Jean Niewierowski.
The family asks that memorials go to Cross Lutheran Church or St. Matthew Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 205, Palmyra, WI 53156.
Services are Saturday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m., at Cross Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kristin Rice officiating. Visitation is Aug. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at church, with a Masonic Service at 12:30 p.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Burlington Cemetery. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, Burlington, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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