Russ grew up in West Allis, WI, moving to the Sheboygan area in 2000. He is career military, having served as an aviation mechanic in the Marine Corp from 1975-2000, when he retired from active duty as an E-7. Russ and his wife Lori have been married since 1976.

When Russ accepted a position with Great Lakes Cheese in 2000, he and Lori moved to Plymouth, WI. He retired from Great Lakes Cheese in 2019. Russ and Lori enjoy participating in kite flying events in Wisconsin and elsewhere. Russ has shared his kite expertise at church picnics, which everyone enjoys! He is a member of Wisconsin Kiters. He also enjoys going to the range for target shooting.

Russ has served faithfully as an IBC deacon since 2018. Lori is very involved in evangelism and discipleship. She currently spends most of her time caring for her mother.