Mr. G. Russell Sutherland Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Russ Sutherland, formerly of the Berlin area, passed away at his home in Mariposa, California on June 11, 2014, surrounded by family. Mr. Sutherland is survived by Leone (Witkowski) Sutherland, his high school sweetheart and wife of 69 years. He also is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Keith and Nancy Sutherland of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Glenn and Kathy Sutherland of Midpines, California, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Mr. Sutherland also leaves behind a sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, one sister, and his parents. Russ was born in his parents’ home in Waukau in 1923. He attended Foote Rural School (a one-room school house) and graduated from Berlin High School. He worked his way through the University of Wisconsin in Madison. His studies were interrupted during World War II by a term of service with the U.S. Navy, serving as the Engineering Officer aboard a ship in the Pacific. After the War he returned to Wisconsin, where he graduated with honors and received a master’s degree in agricultural engineering. Mr. Sutherland had a long and distinguished career with John Deere & Co. As a design engineer he was award numerous patents. He was promoted to Director of Product Engineering at the Des Moines plant, and to Vice President of Engineering and Development at corporate headquarters in Moline, Illinois. He was one of Deere’s best known engineers, and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1984. After retirement in 1987, he and Leone moved to their dream lake home in Bella Vista, Arkansas, where he served on the board of directors of the property owners association and enjoyed golfing and boating. In 2000, they moved to Mariposa, California, where he volunteered for the Museum and History Center and was a member of the American Legion. Russ enjoyed traveling, gardening, working with tools to repair things, and researching his genealogy and Scottish ancestry. Throughout this 90 year journey, there has been one constant: the character of Russ Sutherland. Despite his many achievements, he always has exemplified humility, gentleness, and above all, integrity. He always put family first, despite the many demands of his career. He led and taught with quiet encouragement and by example. His was a life well lived. There will be a private memorial service in Mariposa, California. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Berlin on Monday, July 7, at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation in Mariposa, California.