Russ passed away following a recent cancer diagnosis on August 2 , 2025. Russ was born in Shreveport, LA to Robert and Connie Lessard, primarily growing up in Highland, IN. While in Indiana, he worked for the family business of Lessard Brothers Trucking as a truck driver for several years.

He married his former wife, Sandra (Sandy) Osterman in 1978; moving to Hayward, WI in 1979 where they had two sons, Robert (Bob) and Brian Lessard.

While in Hayward, he worked as a realtor with Hayward Lakes Realty and later a Sales Manager when the Lessard family started the Four Seasons Newspaper. He was very involved in the area Little League program, coaching with Herman Heinz. He loved watching his sons play hockey when they were younger and later coached them in middle school basketball. Other than being involved in his sons' sports activities: he enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid fan of all the Wisconsin sports teams. He was a proud Papa to his granddaughter, Lyla, and enjoyed watching her grow into a vibrant, energetic young girl.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Connie Lessard. He is survived by two sons Brian (Heather) Lessard, and Robert Lessard; one granddaughter, Lyla Lessard; three siblings Robyn (Mike) Shattuck, Richard “Rick” Lessard, Rhonda (Phil) Novack, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Spider Lake Church Main Street Campus on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00AM with a visitation starting at 10:30AM. An interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SCOPE Sawyer County Outdoor Projects and Education, PO Box 13025, Hayward, WI 54843.

His family would like to express their deep felt gratitude towards Water's Edge and Regional Hospice Services for all of their care and support; as well as the family and friends who brightened his days with phone calls and visits.

Last Update: Aug 06, 2025 7:07 am CDT