Russell Moeller

Russell “Russ” Allen Moeller, 72, of Seymour passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 4, 2019, at his home. Russ was born on June 16, 1946, in Milwaukee, the son of Ruth Forbes. Ruth later married Reinhold Moeller of Seymour. Russ went to Elm Lawn Grade School and graduated from Seymour High School with the class of 1964. Russ and Susan’s first date was their sophomore year and after a period of time, they rekindled their love for one another and even marched together at commencement. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force along with his cousin, Allen Moeller. While home from basic training, he married Susan Gagnow on October 9, 1964. Russ was then stationed in Glasgow, Montana. After a short trip home for the birth of their daughter Bobbi Jo in April, 1965, he then went back and set up housing for Susan and Bobbi Jo to join him for the next year until he then was stationed in Ramstein, Germany for a period of time, and finally Menorca, Spain for almost three years.

After serving four years in the United States Air Force and becoming a Master Sergeant, Russ received a plumbing apprenticeship through Seymour Lumber and later became a Master Plumber. Russ ventured out and established his own plumbing business, working many, many hours. He then worked for Besch Plumbing, Appleton and decided to go into commercial plumbing working for Ogden Plumbing, Neenah. While at Ogden Plumbing, he mentored David, who was like a son to him. Russ always said that “David’s hands are just like mine”. He also taught plumbing apprentices at Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac at night after his day job. He truly loved teaching guys the trade that he so loved. He furthered his career by working at Appleton Area Schools as the only plumber on staff, retiring January 15, 2015. He loved plumbing and loved helping people with the knowledge he gained through the years. After he retired, he still “cherry picked” his jobs helping people that needed a true plumber. In between his plumbing work, Russ became the Hotel Seymour’s best dishwasher.

Russ enjoyed shooting trap and was very instrumental in keeping the Black Creek Trap League from folding many years ago. He loved hunting and fishing and caught the fish of a life time, a huge musky out of season, while fishing at Eagle River. Thank God he had a camera along and was able to take a couple pictures. This past Christmas, he received a replica of this fish from Bobbi Jo and Ted which was promptly mounted on the living room wall. Russ was an avid fan of all Wisconsin sports, always having a special place in his heart for the Brewers, whether they were winning or losing. He loved driving the 2003 yellow Mustang convertible, putting on over 1,000 topless miles the first year going to coffee shops. Ever since Morris landed on our front porch and adopted us, Russ had a soft spot in his heart for the homeless kitties, naming them all, making outside homes and caring for them on a daily basis.

Russ is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter and son-in-law, Bobbi Jo and Ted Eisenreich and granddaughters, Vanessa and Whitney (Dominic Strack); his mother, Ruth Moeller; and mother-in-law, Marcella Gagnow. He is further survived by his furry buddy Morris, his grand dog Meeka; and his six siblings.

Russ is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Orville, and brothers-in-law, Larry and Dennis Gagnow.

Russ was the best friend a gal could have ever asked for being my rock, the wind beneath my wings, and my everything. He was the best “son” my mom could have ever received, always looking out for her wellbeing. He loved our family so much and was so looking forward to Whitney’s wedding in June and our 55th wedding anniversary in October. Cancer sucks. Life changes in the blink of an eye. I look at what we worked so hard for and it’s all just stuff now.

Friends may call at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour on Friday, February 8, 2019, from 4-8 pm. Visitation will continue at New Life United Methodist Church, Seymour on Saturday, February 9, 2019, from 10:00 am until services at noon with Pastor Mark Klaisner officiating. Burial will take place in the South Cicero Cemetery in the spring.

Online condolences may be expressed for Russ’s family at www.muehlboettcher.com

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to keep Russ’s memory alive forever.

A special thanks goes out to 911Dispatch, the Seymour Police Dept., Outagamie County Sheriff’s Dept., Seymour Rescue and Gold Cross ambulance for doing all they did for Russ and driving in such foggy and icy conditions.