Barbara N. Russell-Mendyke

Our Heavenly Father chose to bring home His earthly daughter, Barbara Russell-Mendyke on September 22, 2025. She was born on November 3, 1931 in Waupaca, WI to Hans and Margaret Nelson.

Barbara’s love for music developed at an early age, as she often sang while accompanied by her mother. She was an instrumentalist in high school and college and a part of many choral groups throughout her life. Barb was a kindergarten teacher in the Appleton School District, completing a 30-year career with enthusiasm, dedication, and loyalty while treating her career as a true privilege and pleasure. Teaching was the love of her life, allowing her to bestow a lasting touch to the lives of her pupils.

Barbara continued to give back to the community as a volunteer with LEAVEN, Fox Cities Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, the Performing Arts Center, the Salvation Army, Reading for Success, Emergency Shelter, and other causes. She was independent and active, traveling extensively in her retirement years, especially to visit family and friends. When at home, she loved to entertain at dinner parties and spent endless hours keeping the areas around the house filled with flowers and blooms. Barbara was a classy lady and a proud matriarch. A gracious mother, wife, teacher, and friend, she also took great pride in her Danish heritage. Her many friends will remember her kind heart, warm smile, quick laugh, and deep love for her family. She had an unending zest and spirit for life that led her to square dancing and tap dancing with The Rhythmettes for many years.

Barbara’s days were full of treasured activities, but she had an unending dedication to Bible study and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and His saving grace. That resulted in being an active participant in the Stonecroft Ministry. Coordinating Bible studies was an important part of her life, allowing her to use her time and talents to assist in the faith growth of many.

Barbara was preceded in death by her former husband, Sherwood Russell, to whom she was married in 1959. Their children, who survive, are Greg (Betsy) Russell, Jane (Craig) Van Arendonk, and Kay (James) Allen; her grandchildren, Hannah Russell, Andy (Gizem) Russell, Sarah Van Arendonk, Nathan Van Arendonk, Erin Allen, and Christian Allen; and her great-grandchildren, Dennis Russell, Celine Russell, and Felix Van Arendonk. Also surviving are her husband, Donald Mendyke, who she wed in 2005; his children, Donna Mendyke, Daniel (Shouley) Mendyke, and Michael (Laura) Mendyke; and his grandchildren, Darwin Mendyke, Emily Mendyke, and Megan Mendyke. Barbara found great delight in her family and their many accomplishments.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2026 with more details to come sooner to that time. Please be sure to check back periodically for updated information.

Barbara’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and other supporting staff at the Heritage for their kindness, care, and dedication shown to Barbara during her stay there.