Russell Eugene Rauchfuss, age 76, passed away peacefully Monday, January 19, 2026 in hospice care in Douglas, Wyoming.
Russ was born in Cody, Wyoming, where he was raised and later graduated from high school. He went on to attend the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where he studied law. After completing his education, Russ moved to Casper, Wyoming, and began practicing law.
In addition to his legal career, Russ found his true calling in education. He became a law professor at Casper College, where he taught for over 30 years until his retirement. Russ was deeply respected for his brilliant mind, thoughtful instruction, sense of humor, and dedication to his students.
In 1998, Russ helped create The Matthew Shepard Foundation in support of his close friends Judy and Dennis Shepard. This work reflected his strong sense of justice, compassion, and commitment to making the world a more inclusive and humane place.
Russ met Laurie Urbigkit on December 3, 1999. They dated for several years and shared a deep love for travel and adventure, exploring destinations around the world and creating treasured memories together. Russ proposed to Laurie in 2013, and were married in 2017.
Russ was a devoted lover of animals, especially those with fur. Over the years, he shared his life with several cats who were his constant companions. He enjoyed feeding the squirrels outside his and Laurie’s home and took great joy in their most recent pets: Marley the cat and their two poodles, Louie and Izzy, whom he lovingly referred to as their “kids.”
A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Russ played baseball growing up and later softball after moving to Casper. In recent years, he especially enjoyed watching his grandsons play baseball throughout Wyoming.
Russ will be remembered for his sharp intellect, his love of animals, travel, candy, and for his mischievous smirk—always hinting that a bit of shenanigans might be close at hand.
Russ is survived by his wife, Laurie Urbigkit; his step-daughter, Dani Cooper (Noel); and his grandsons, Gabriel and Zaiden Cooper.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman “Smokey” Rauchfuss and Jacqueline Rauchfuss; his brothers-in-law, Walter Urbigkit, William Urbigkit; and his mother-in-law, Ellie Urbigkit.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 701 S. Wolcott St., Casper, WY 82601, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Matthew Shepard Foundation or to any no-kill animal shelter in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 W. Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.
On-line condolences for Russell’s family may be at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments of Riverton, Wyoming.