Russell Buss

Russell “Russ” James Buss passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022.

A visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon on Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Milan. Interment will follow at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery. Rev. Michael Mathey will preside. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.

Russ was born on June 11, 1944, the son of Chester and Lillian (Venzke) Buss in Wausau. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Milan. Russ attended Bruckerville Grade School and graduated from Dor-Abby High School in 1962. After high school, he attended farm short course in Madison and upon returning home he farmed and for a short time drove the can milk truck. On May 29, 1965, Russ married the love of his life, Shirley Marzinske at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Dorchester. They were married for 57 years and raised four children together.

Russ served his community in many active roles serving in various capacities in the church, was on the board of Taylor Electric for several years and Dorchester Co-op and was a member of the Colby FFA Alumni for many years. His hobbies included collecting toy tractors, going to steam and gas shows, reading agricultural history and playing cards. He always enjoyed watching the activities of his children and grandchildren which were his pride and joy. Russ instilled his values of faith, family, friendship and hard work in his children and grandchildren.

Those who will cherish his memory include his loving wife, Shirley, of Athens; son, Warren of Abbotsford; daughter, Patricia (Shane) Hammel of Abbotsford; son-in-law, John Baeten of De Pere; four grandchildren: Zackary Buss, Isaac, Olivia and Ashton Hammel; great-granddaughter, Oaklynn Buss; brother-in-law, Ed Marzinske of Dorchester and sister-in-law, Diane Marzinske (John Borgemoen) of Lake Holcombe; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Baeten; son, Gary Buss; grandsons: Jack Baeten and Anthony Hammel; parents, Chester and Lillian Buss and father and mother-in-law, Edwin and Loretta Marzinske.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 127103