He married the former Esther Renier on June 22, 1940, at Robinsonville Presbyterian Church. Russ founded Bay Heating Service in Green Bay in 1949. He was a hard-working, dedicated man who devoted his time, day and night, to his family and his business. He retired in July 1989 and then worked for his son, Dann, at Bay Heating until April 1993. Russ enjoyed meeting with his buddies over coffee, fishing, snowmobiling and times spent with his family. He was a long-standing member of Robinsonville Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Esther; three children and spouses, Donna and James Wiggins of Tennessee, Darlene and Randy Rybicki of Green Bay, Dann and Kathy Drews from the town of Scott; eight grandchildren, Jacqueline (Sam) Royse, Vern Wiggins, Paul (Julie) Wiggins, Josephine Wiggins, Brenda (Kevin) Burt, Pamela (Ken Moody) Drews, David Drews, and Kaihla Drews; three great-grandchildren, Drews Royse, Ryan Wiggins and Cearra Burt; three sisters, Naomi and Norbert Ama of Green Bay, Faye and Harold Klipstine of De Pere, Dolores (Dode) and Peter Vogels of De Pere; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law Arlene Smith of California, Renie and Carel Frisque, Betty and Willard Charles, Betty Renier, all from the town of Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Carol Klipstine; and one brother-in-law, Russ Renier.
Friends may call at Malcore Funeral Home, University Avenue at Baird Street, from 2 p.m. Tuesday until the time of the funeral service. Funeral services 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Foemmel officiating. Entombment in Nicolet Memorial Gardens. A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in his memory.