Doren “Russ” William Russler

On September 18, 2023, early in the morning, Doren William (Russ) Russler died peacefully to this earthly life at Seasons of Life, with his son at his side, and has now entered eternal life with his living Savior, Jesus Christ.

Russ was born on October 28, 1928 to Bert and Ella (Brokaw) Russler in Raritan, Ill. The family moved to Moline, Ill. and Russ graduated from Moline High School in 1946. After attending Augustana College for two years, he transferred to the University of Michigan where he earned his bachelor in business administration. It was there that he met the love of his life, Ruth Anderson, and they married June 16, 1951. They were blessed with two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, to whom he was their dearly beloved “Papa.”

Russ’s love for his family was second only to his love of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a faithful Christian, serving his Lord in every congregation throughout his life and was a founding member of Peace Lutheran Church in Arbor Vitae.

Russ had a successful business career in the field of finance with several companies including Appleton Papers and the NCR Corporation from which he retired in 1988 as the senior vice president of finance and administration and CFO. He was a lifelong member of Rotary International, an emeritus member of the Lakeland Noon Rotary Club, as well as a member of the Restless Weasels and the Minocqua Country Club.

Following retirement, Russ and Ruth divided their time between Hilton Head, S.C. and Minocqua, where they enjoyed an active life — traveling extensively, hunting and fishing, playing golf, tennis, bridge and, in these latter years, daily games of gin.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister and a brother, Keith. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Ruth; his children Sue Steinbruecker of Sugar Land, Texas, Jim (Cindy) Russler of Minocqua; grandchildren Becky (Scott) Benninghoff, John (Elizabeth) Russler, and Katie (Aaron) Bustos; and great-granddaughters Diana and Cara Benninghoff and Grace and Adalyn Russler. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jeanne Thomas of Jackson, Mich. and brother-in-law John (Nancy) Anderson of St Germain.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the hospice caregivers of Compassus and especially the exceedingly caring and loving staff at Aspirus Seasons of Life hospice home. 

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Arbor Vitae. Visitation will precede the service at 10 a.m. and a luncheon will be served following the service. Graveside burial will follow the luncheon at Minocqua Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Peace Lutheran Church, 10868 Old 51 N, Arbor Vitae 54568 or the Howard Young Foundation/Seasons of Life, PO Box 10, Minocqua 54548.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, visit www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences with the family.