Felhaber Larson is saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend of 50 years, Russ Sudeith.
Russ graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in 1966 and joined Felhaber Larson shortly thereafter. His practice primarily focused on the areas of corporate and business law, including mergers and acquisitions. Russ was sincerely interested in his clients as individuals, and in their families, in their businesses; indeed, in all aspects of their lives. He was as proud of their successes and as happy for their good fortune as if the successes and good fortune were his own. This personal commitment made him passionate and tireless, and always a consummate professional, in his service to clients.
Not only was Russ an extraordinary lawyer, mentor, and friend, he was an exceptional leader. Felhaber was the beneficiary of his leadership skills by his many years of service on the Board of Directors, where he served in many roles, including President and Chairman of the Board. After 50 remarkable years of practicing law, Russ retired in 2016.
His colleagues remember him well:
“A man of his word… If Russ Sudeith promised or committed to something, he saw it through and did it. Which means that Russ had a quality which is sadly not often attributed to people today – he was honorable. Russ was, of course, a terrific lawyer, mentor and leader, and I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him. But his honor, candor and commitment (along with a great sense of humor) are the qualities I most remember.”
“Having an office next to Russ for almost ten years, I witnessed first-hand and on a daily basis, not only his love of the law, but what a constant and tenacious advocate he was for every single one of his clients. He was also compassionate, funny, and very easy to talk to. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned so much from him and will miss him deeply.”
“Russ Sudeith was a wonderful father, a great lawyer, a loyal friend and partner, and gifted storyteller.”
Russ is survived by his companion, Roxanne Sands; children, Kevin (Alexandra Warren) and Timothy (Mertyce Mrvos); grandchildren, Logan and Meryl; brother, William (Sharon); sister-in-law, Patricia Welch; brothers-in-law, Fr. Gregory Welch and Dave Zupfer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary Ann; sister, Mary Zupfer; and parents, Russell and Marie.
Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, June 8, at 10 am at Church of the Assumption, 51 – 7th Street W. Visitation on Wednesday, June 7, 4 – 8 pm at O’Halloran & Murphy, 575 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul and one hour prior to Mass at the Church. Memorial donations may be made to The Russell J. Sudeith, Jr. ’58 Scholarship Fund at Cretin-Derham Hall, 550 South Albert Street, St. Paul, MN 55116.