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Another Kelly Lake Legend Passes…

We were quite saddened to hear of Russ’s passing. Russ was a unique and interesting friend! He always had story… often funny! I’ll never forget, and often share, the one when he left a step ladder in the fireplace while building his log cottage on the lake; they couldn’t find it until later when he remembered where he left it! Billy Tisch stopped over to see the progress, and found Russ torching it, setting it afire in the chimney—no chance of getting it out! He’s a legend… one that will be certainly missed. RIP, Russ. Roger and Shirley

Alsteen, Russell Dean

Russell Dean Alsteen, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday August 12, 2017. He was born September 13, 1937 in Lena to Joseph and Eleanor (Casper) Alsteen.

Russell proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959. Shortly after returning from service, he married Sharon (LeFevre) Benedum. He started his working days at Badger Breeders. After being there some years, he attended barber school in Green Bay and was employed at various barber shops across Wisconsin. He owned and operated Russ’s Barber Shop from the early 1970’s until retiring in 2015.

An avid woodworker and builder, Russ built a log cabin on Kelly Lake and refurbished his family’s 1908 log cabin. In August of 2002, Russ was united in marriage to Roberta (Mathey) Megow. Russ and Roberta summered together at the cabin on Kelly Lake and spent winters with family and friends in Bradenton, Florida.

Russell was active in the community for many years. He served on many city and community boards but was most passionate about Veteran’s causes. Throughout his adult life, Russ was active in the Navy Club of the U.S. where he was elected the Wisconsin State Commandant and the club’s National Commandant in 2003. He was also a member of the American Legion-Lena Post.

Russ cherished the time he spent with his family. He enjoyed hunting at “The Ranch”, playing cards and wintering in Florida. He could be seen driving his Ford tractor and even climbing ladders until just days before he passed.

Russell is survived by his wife of 15 years, Roberta (Mathey) Megow; three sons, Brian (Binky), Bart (Cathy), and Bradley; Roberta’s three sons, Randall (Christine), Michael and Scott (Natalie). Russ is further survived by his beloved grandchildren, Caty (Dillon), Andy (Morgan), Luke (Miriam), Katie (Danny), Gunnar, Maisie Ann, Kiefer, Izzy, Joe, John, Libby, Carolyn; two great grandchildren, Ellie and Harper. Russell comes from a large, close knit family. Surviving him are also three sisters, Ruth (Dean), Joann, and Beverly; a brother, Armond (Phyllis); step brothers and sisters, Renetta, Shirley (Vernon) and Donnie (Tammy).

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Julie, a sister Donna and a brother Clayton.

Friends may call at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 209 East Main Street, Lena on Saturday August 19, 2017 from 9 until 11 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Nonito Barra officiating. Burial with Veteran Honors will take place immediately after the Mass at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in Lena.

Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com.

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Fisher House (www.donate.fisherhouse.org) in Russ’ memory.

Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from Aug. 16 to Aug. 18, 2017

By Roger Birr On August 17, 2017 0 Comment

1st Annual Antique, Clasic and Old Boat Show; a Success!

Non-wood Class: Tom and Ann Stadler took 1st Place and “Best of Show” ! Everyone was invited to vote. Photos by Shirley Birr; click to enlarge.

The Kracken Shack had portaged their portable bar and kitchen over to the show grounds (former Round Roof Supper Club area) to serve beer and beverages, AND cooked up a deliciously superb shrimp boiled dinner, complete with muscles in the shell, potatoes and corn on the cob!m day, and got it! However, everyone was out on the lake—enjoying the sunny warm day! But the venue across from Earl’s Kwik Stop kept a steady flow of boating enthusiasts walking through, stopping for a drink, or trying the shrimp boil…. not to mention people out for their walk-about Kelly Lake! .

Bob Davis (owner of the Kracken Shack and DJ) brought his van-full of speakers and amplifier to broadcast music and announce events.

A 50/50 raffle was held, along with donation buckets to raise money to fight Eurasion milfoil (an aggressive weed that can ruin your water enjoyment, and stifle your property value) and other Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). The winner received one-half of the winnings—$220! Proceeds from the boat show will be handed over to the Kelly Lake Advancement Association; our tax exempt source. The final tally of proceeds has to be completed.

Arlyn Libel, President of the Kelly Lake Sportsman’s Club, presented a $500.00 donation check to Ken Darby, President of the Kelly Lake Advancement Association!

The show ran from 10 AM to 4 PM. People wandered over after the show to continue the festivities where Bob Davis had the local acoustic band duet, “Kris and Kim” perform from about 2 PM until 9. They were an awesome duet!… playing everything from country, country rock, to classic rock… not to mention contemporary tunes!

Whether the weather helped or hindered our AIS cause, we called it a success anyway—with eager, enthusiastic plans and new ideas already in the making.

My great appreciation and respect for all those who made our first boat show the success it was, and their eagerness to proceed-on for next year, I salute the efforts and hard work to Earl Macha (willingness to open up his property which is a perfect venue), Earl’s help and cooperation planning and seeing our plans develop to completion—Johnny-on-the-spot when something was needed!

Todd and Robyn Yancy from Yancypowersports for their enthusiasm, help and cooperation planning the event, getting posters out-and-about, moral support[!],

Bob, Pam and the Kracken Shack crew for their incredibly hard work staging their portable bar and kitchen, along with his PA and DJ equipment at the show grounds! Also, for Bob volunteering to be Emcee!

One of the things I learned (and will probably learn more when I go through the suggestion box) was to allow the winners to tell something about their boat and/or motor:

Bob agreed to be our Emcee, but at the last minute Shirley persuaded me to announce the awards. Thus, thinking people were eager to learn who won what, I hurriedly went through the winners until it came to Todd, who was unable to be there initially for the presentations.

I brought Todd up to the mic, and It was then that I thought of having Todd describe his boat and motors—I should have thought of that for every winner!… next year!

This was about two things: One, that I always thought a boat show would be of interest and fun. And, two, for a good cause to benefit our lake, especially now that grants are drying up, to fight Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), especially milfoil—which we’ve been fighting for the past five years (this year alone, $13,000 was used from grants to treat our lake). The fight will

Again, we call it a success…being it our first year! The boats, the food, the work put in and the enthusiasm and fun we had! Thank you to the “Crew”!