Dear Stavn family. I am very sorry for your loss.

Russ, I will miss you and our discussions about sci fi shows and anime. I'm sorry I didn't realize the last time I said goodbye in the break room it would be our last goodbye. Thank you for always greeting me with a smile and something interesting to talk about. Thank you for asking about my daughters. I hope you are somewhere that has all your favorite things. And that you are at peace. Sending love to your family.

I am so sorry that this wonderfully sweet man is no longer with us. I have so enjoyed working with Russ over the years and I can say that he was certainly my "go to" man when I had issues or needed assistance. Russ was also always one of the first to recognize my own work and accomplishments and never failed to dole out praise. I appreciated that so much. I will miss him. Prayers to his family and I am thinking of you during this sad time.

In memory of Russell Stavn, Nina Werner lit a candle

I've known Russ for about 30 years. As expressed in other condolences, the news of his soon to be passing was and is a shock. Russ and I had a chance to talk for quite a while before he became too tired to have those conversations. What struck me was that even in his present circumstances he had the big smile which all of you know. He had fully accepted what was going to happen and was more concerned with the practical matters of his passing. Fortunately Kathi and her family took care of all of those things. That in itself was a great gift to Russ. In our talks, Russ expressed gratitude for our friendship, gratitude for the help he was receiving from multiple sources and gratitude for the way he was passing. He said he was in no pain. He was just tired. Doctors told him his condition was not due to anything in his lifestyle or genetics. It was just one of those things. To him, that was an indication that it was simply his time. Speaking practically, he knew we would all die someday and it was how we died that is sometimes scary or tragic. He was grateful that he had an illness that allowed him enough time to get his affairs in order and say good-bye to people but was short and didn't make him linger and suffer. He had time to reflect on his life and knew his was going home to his maker with peace. He expressed no regrets, only gratitude. While I am sad for Russ's passing. I'm less sad because he was at peace and didn't suffer. His life ended easily, and he is now home. In the movie Ghost, Patrick Swayze says that we take the love with us. Russ had a chance to experience the love and gratitude from all of you and we can all feel a degree of comfort knowing he had that gift to take with him. Another quote states, "the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." Russ had that through all of you, and that is what we can take with us.

I worked with Russ for the past 10+ years. Russ was a friendly, kind-hearted person and brought a smile to many with his quick wit. He had a wonderful sense of humor and would often surprise us with his vast knowledge of odd things you would not expect, like foreign languages. Jake and Bethany, he was so proud of you, and he was so excited to be a great uncle. He will be missed by all of those that he greeted each day on his walks through the building. Kathi, Jake, Bethany and families please I hope that shared memories will help bring you comfort.

I miss you Uncle Russ. U always had a great smile and awesome personality. I will always remember the awesome times spending the night and play video games late into the night. U will be missed dearly. Love you

Russ was the best uncle anyone could ever ask for. I’m thankful he was mine. I will forever cherish the memories we have together. Russ will be missed so much.

In memory of Russell Stavn, Kathi Stavn Moen lit a candle

Dear Stavn Family, I am sorry very sorry for your loss. I worked with Russ at the DOT. He was always friendly, very helpful and he would share funny little stories. I enjoyed working with him on the few occasions where he helped me with reports. My deepest sympathies. Sharon Dunn

I will greatly miss working with Russ and having the chance to talk to him nearly every day at WisDOT over the past 7 years. Always positive, with a smile on his face, ready to either share a laugh or pitch in to solve a problem (or both), he made the 6th floor at the Hill Farms building a better place to be simply by his presence. My deepest condolences to his family.

Rest in peace Russ. You are such a nice person and always have a smile to all of us. I will miss all the chatting in the office, and remember the interesting thoughts you have shared.

I worked with Russ and really got to know him more in the last 6 months chatting about food during our morning break. He will be missed as I enjoyed our conversations. May you all find some peace sharing memories with friends and family during your time of grief.

In memory of Russell Stavn, Meredith Alt lit a candle

My deepest sympathies. Russ was a very lovely person.

Russ was such a wonderful light in this world. He always had a smile on his face. It was always so nice to see him. He will be missed.

We will dearly miss our "Good Egg". I was honored to work with him and to also have some special adventures in theatre and dining with him and our coworker Valentina. I hope he is at peace and think I will visit the model train display at Olbrich and donate there for him since I never did get to see his set up. Hugs to his sister and her family and his friends.

Working with Russ was always a joy. He always had a smile, a kind word... and loved to talk about life and world events. Even in the crazy situations he seemed to rise above it and have this soothing calm which made those around him settle and deal with the issue at hand. Not many of us have that, and now he has left us in is in the palm of Gods hand. May you rest in peace my friend - I shall see you again. To family and friends, I'm sorry for our Loss. May Peace and Grace be with us all

Russ enjoyed riding around the Waunakee area in his Corvette, with the top down. I live in that general area of Dane County and it always brought a smile to see him enjoying the day in the town or countryside. Then the next workday .." Where you up in the Wauankee area the other day in the Vet?" That would start a lively conversation!

Sorry for your loss.

I am still trying to come to terms with the loss of my friend. Russ was such a smart, kind and caring man. He will be greatly missed and thought of often.

It was always a pleasure working with Russ on many projects throughout the past several years. When working on projects or talking with Russ, he would often lead you to a more pleasant mood as you continued along your day. Russ will truly be missed.

While I knew Russ for a rather short period of time, it was truly a privilege and he became a good friend. Russ was truly one of the kindest and most gentle people I knew, always wearing a smile and always willing to help others. His love of Star Wars and sci-fi will forever keep him with me on "May the 4th," and I learned many things from him due to his wide-ranging interests. Russ is the epitome of a good person in every respect. I miss him and will do what I can to help honor the memory of someone who gave so much to so many people.

Rusty was such a great neighbor. Praying for the family.

Sending my condolences to Kathi and her family. Russ was a wonderful human. I am really glad I got the chance to know him. We used to work together during summers home from college at Warners where both of our fathers worked and he had to put up with his little sister’s friend in our carpool. He had a great sense of humor. I always remember him when people talk about Dungeons and Dragons because when it first came out he explained it all to me and it always makes me think of him. Good memories. I am praying for you and your family, Kathi ❤️ Wishing you peace, Russ.

Rest in peace, dear Russ! Thank you for being such a close friend and part of our family. Thank you for all the rides, all the events, all the soccer practices, all the walks and talks! I doubt I will ever have the chance to meet a more good hearted, patient, understanding and kind person like you! You will live in our hearts and minds forever! We miss you dearly! Thank you for letting us be part of your life!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.