Roger Joseph Russ

Roger Joseph Russ, Age 68, of Pembine Wisconsin, passed away on December 29, 2022, due to health complications related to cancer. Roger was born on March 26, 1954, to Joseph and Helen (Bizjak) Russ in Iron Mountain, MI. After graduating from Pembine High School, he briefly worked at the Goodman sawmill, before returning to the family business: running the service station Russ Garage with his parents. On June 6, 1981, he married Peggy Hawley in Goodman, WI. Those who were there remember that a real “ball and chain” was tied to his ankle and the key broke off inside the lock. A hacksaw was found, and the festivities continued. Roger and Peggy later had one daughter, Jessica. Though he would never admit it, Roger loved conversing with people. He loved taking drives around Marinette County and stopping in to see friends at gas stations, grocery stores, and diners. He served time as President of the Wild River Lions Club and loved cooking bratwurst at the Lions Club stand at the Pembine Fireman’s Picnic. His main hobby was golf, and he gave back to his community by being the Varsity Golf Coach at Pembine High School for many years. When he wasn’t golfing, he was likely just walking golf courses collecting golf balls: amassing a number that would make the PGA Tour blush. He was a lefty, and naturally supported Phil Mickelson and others who “golfed backwards”. Roger also bowled competitively –even throwing a perfect 300 game at Rocque’s 8-HI. His large frame, size 14 feet, and 18lb ball probably helped. Roger later sold the gas station to become a fulltime caretaker for his mother Helen, when she became sick and homebound. He also operated a wrecker service for over 30 years. His entire being, his whole existence, was taking care of others – whether helping you out of a ditch, clearing your snow, or taking care of the many horses and dogs on their property with Peggy and Jessica. Roger liked giving people a hard time with a smile, and he had a big heart. Roger enjoyed being around young people – whether it be chatting up the kids that would stop into his gas station at the corner of Hwy 8 and 141, or his golf team, or most recently, helping out the athletes who needed transportation from Pembine to Goodman for sports practice. It kept him feeling young. Roger also especially enjoyed getting a rise out of them by growing a thick white beard and a long white pony tail during the season. It was debatable whether they (or he) were more amused. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen. He is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Jessica (Ryan) Kuehn, sister Deborah (Joseph) Kitching and their children Joey, Michael, and Katie. He will be missed by the Don and Vonna Hawley Family of Goodman, his many nieces and nephews (several of them he graciously towed out of the snow). In addition, his memory lives on with the many members of his extended family including the Russ, Bizjak, and Orlando families, and of course, his many friends. Visitation will be at St. Margaret Catholic Church, N18844 Hwy 141 & 8, Pembine, WI, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, with Rev. Quinn Mann officiating the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be in Pembine Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his name to the Pembine-Dunbar-Beecher Rescue Squad, an organization important to the Russ Family. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Roger J. Russ online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Roger Joseph Russ

March 26, 1954 - December 29, 2022