Roger Russell
Roger Russell, who died in 1989 at the age of 67, was an Army Air Corps pilot during World War II, whose first career was a pilot with Northwest Orient Airlines. In 1947 he became an announcer at his Worthington, Minnesota, hometown radio station. He began a 29-year career with Midcontinent Broadcasting in 1960, joining Madison’s WKOW Radio and TV as a staff announcer. He later served as a popular television news anchor, radio program director and host of a mid-day talk show. In 1971 he became the radio station’s general manager, and with Midcontinent’s acquisition of WMFM in 1976, he became general manager of both stations, now WTSO/WZEE. His leadership of Madison stations garnered many awards including recognition in 1987 for a “Don’t Drive Drunk” public service campaign which eventually found airplay on more than 100 radio stations nationwide. A dedicated community broadcaster, his 40-year career was honored by employees who lauded him for his “good counsel, good friendship and good broadcasting”.
This man was my grandfather and was truly a great man.
Roger was my cousin, though 17 years older than me and I only knew him as a little kid. My dad knew him well and always spoke very highly of him.
Roger was my brother. He was everything the other employees remarked about him. He treated his little sister wonderfully. I’ll always love, respect and honor his memory. I always felt blessed to know him as a family brother. I’ll love him until my finally breath.