Robert Russert

ROBERT (BOB) J. RUSSERT WAUPACA, WISCONSIN An old Ford pickup pulled up in front of the house and blew it’s horn……Bob looked out and Bill waved and yelled “Hey Pa, can you come up here and help Mike and I?” So…..Bob decided he’d done all he could here and went to heaven to help up there. Bob Russert passed away peacefully, at home, Wednesday October 4, 2006, losing a 4-year battle with cancer. Bob fought that battle, as he did his other battles in life, with a quiet strength. He was born in Oshkosh, November 9, 1931 to Ed and Alma Russert. His growing up years were spent in Oshkosh, then moving to Menasha as a teenager. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School (known as the “James Dean of the class of 1950”), and it was in high school he met his first and life-long love……Harley Davidson. He rode bike for the majority of his life, saying “there is nothing better than riding a Harley with the wind blowing on your face and through your hair”. Bob was in the Army for 2 years and then returned to work 40 years at Kimberly Clark. He took early retirement, but decided he wasn’t quite ready and drove for Merle’s Rapid Deliver for several years. In 1999, he moved to Waupaca and really enjoyed his life in what he called “his town of trails”, which he explored daily walking with his beagle and faithful friend, Sammie. He also spent many hours of peace and enjoyment at his cottage on Hatch Lake in Iola. Bob is survived by Carrie, his wife of 30 years, his son Ed of Appleton, and his son Bob of Menasha. He was blessed with grandson, Ed (Kristy) and granddaughters, Brooke and Michelle. The blessing continued when Ed presented him with great-granddaughter, Kaylee, two years ago. He is further survived by his sister, Luanne Smith of Madison, and her children, Shea, Jeff, Tracey, Stacey, and Marty. Brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary and Mary Jo, Wayne and Dori, John and Jane, and Jeff also survive. Their children, Wendy, Pam, Stacey, Jamie, Amy, Andrea, Marki, Marcus, Jim, and Jennifer were also a part of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons, Earl and Bill, and a grandson, Michael. Bob was a very special person with a quiet strength, quick wit and a willingness to help others whenever he could. He will be missed by all who knew him and the thought he would leave for everyone is…..”Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with you”. Special thanks to family and friends for their love and support….and especially to his caregiver, Pam Peppler, who cared for him with much love and his special friend, Alan Peterson, who visited often. A Funeral Service will be on Sunday, October 8, 2006 at 1:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca. Reverend James Vennix will officiate. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Cemetery in Waupaca following the service on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the River Ridge Trails in Waupaca. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. HOLLY FUNERAL HOME 526 S. Main Street Waupaca, WI 54981 www.hollyfuneralhome.com

Robert Russert

November 9, 1931 - October 4, 2006