Russell Scott Saari, 66, of Elkhorn, WI, died August 18, 2025, in the comfort of his home. Born in Ironwood, MI, to the late Russell M. and June (DuCharme) Saari on March 28, 1959. Russ moved to Elkhorn at the age of 9 and graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1977. He worked for Walworth County as a maintenance engineer for over 30 years. Russ married Jeannine Ludtke Palenshus on September 8, 2001. As one of his friends once said, "Russ was the person I wanted to be with if there was ever an apocalypse..." We will love and miss him forever.

Russ is survived by his wife Jeannine; sons, Russ (Rachel Beles) Saari of Beloit, WI and Matthew Saari of Delavan; step-sons, Jeremiah Thompson of Baraboo, WI, Josh (Sara) Thompson of Delavan, and Dustin (Sara) Palenshus of Brooklyn, WI; grandkids, Eirik, Samantha, Vanessa, Eliot, Isaiah, Emanuelle, Steven, Jaylyn, Ayden, Layla, and Kal; siblings, Kurt (Barb) Saari of Elkhorn, John Saari of Madison, and Pam Saari of Milwaukee; brothers-in-law, Craig Steffen of Burlington, Bill (Ellen) Ludtke of Delavan, and Larry (Juanita) Ludtke of Baraboo; many nieces and nephews; and his many loving cats.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and June; sister, Debra Steffen; and stepson, Monte Thompson.

A private celebration of life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Toledo Keeping the Faith Cat Sanctuary, W6189 N. Walworth Rd., Walworth, WI, 53184. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Elkhorn is honored to serve the Saari family.