Barry Burgeson

Barry Lane Burgeson, age 68, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully Monday, August 18, 2025, at his home surrounded by family after a long-fought battle of cancer.

Barry was born January 31, 1957, in Wisconsin Rapids to Wilmer and Donna (Drollinger) Burgeson. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and continued his education at Mid-State Technical College where he then became a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 388.

Barry married the love of his life, Kelli Russell, in October of 1989 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. They were blessed with 35 years of marriage and two daughters, Molli and Megan.
Barry was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending his time hunting white-tail deer in Superior with his best friend, Bernie, Travis, and his daughter Molli. He enjoyed fishing for bluegills with his friends Tom, Mark, and his two brothers Dave and Mark. He also spent a lot of time camping, going to tractor shows with his family, and spending time with his loving sister, Daye Ann.

When he wasn’t outdoors, he spent a lot of his time watching movies with his daughter Megan – including attending every single midnight premiere of each “Twilight Saga” movie every November, waiting up to 8 hours with her in the bitter cold. He also enjoyed attending concerts and listening to classic rock.

Barry cherished his time with his family and proudly took on his newest role of “Papa” to his two grandchildren, Nora and Nolan. He also loved all his kitties and grand kitties: Barney, Oliver, Ellie, Meeka, Simba, and Jack.

Barry is survived by his wife: Kelli Burgeson; children: Molli (Kyle) Besaw and Megan Burgeson; grandchildren: Nora and Nolan Besaw; siblings: Daye Ann Shomberg, Dave (Mary) Burgeson, and Mark (Sue) Burgeson; siblings-in-law: Lori (Buzz) Dean, Ed (Ruth) Russell, Paul (Penni) Russell, and Jim Barton; and many nieces and nephews. Barry is also survived by special friends Ed Haasl, Mark Weber, and Dan Janz.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Wilmer and Donna Burgeson; father and mother-in-law: Harry and Sharon Russell; sister-in-law: Jodi Barton; nephew: Cody Sajdik; friends: Bernie Musch and Tom Stensberg; and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Barry’s Oncology and Hospice team, as well as his friend, Ed Haasl.

A celebration of life will be held at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.