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Russell Philip Kohl, age 86, of Winneconne, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at home with family by his side.

Russ was born on January 25, 1937, in Marshfield, WI. He attended various elementary schools and graduated from Marshfield Senior High School where he met his wife and best friend, Margaret. They were married on December 29, 1956, and shared 66 years of love and companionship. Their daughter, Lori, was born in 1962.

Russ served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 - 1960 and was stationed at Barksdale A.F. Base in Bossier City, LA. After his service in the military, he and Margaret moved to Wausau, WI where he worked for Employers Mutuals for five years. He then dedicated over 27 years of his life in the computer industry at Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, WI where he retired at the age of 55.

An avid fisherman and sports enthusiast, Russ could either be found with a fishing rod by the lake, in his boat, or watching TV cheering on the Chicago Cubs. During his retirement, he was active in the Butte de Morts Conservation Club and also volunteered for the Winneconne Thrift and Gift for nine years. He also spent several years coordinating the ushering program as an active member of Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Winneconne.

Russ is survived by his wife, Margaret; his daughter, Lori (Jeff) Miller; grandchildren, Brandon (Amy) Miller and Kamilla (Joe) Mueller; two great-grandchildren, Luna and Tristan Mueller; two sisters, Phyllis Weichelt and Janice Grobe; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Marcella Kohl; and an infant brother, Donald.

Russ will be missed by his family and friends and may be remembered by one of his favorite prayers:

I pray that I may live to fish until my dying day

And when it comes to my last cast I then most humbly pray

When in the Lord’s great landing net and peacefully asleep

That in His mercy, I be judged

Big enough to keep.                    

~ Author Unknown

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church 6090 Harbour South (corner of Harbour South and Hwy 116) in Winneconne, WI on Tuesday, July 18. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kevin Heffernan officiating. Military honors will follow. Burial will be in the Winneconne Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church Building Fund.  

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.

The family would like to express our thanks to the staff of Moments Hospice who were instrumental in granting Russ’ wishes to remain at home with his family.