Russell Lee Crossman passed away at the age of 57 peacefully at his home on Friday, April 25, 2008 with his family by his side after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Russ left this world in the same fashion as he entered it. He was born so close to midnight that he always joked that he wasn't sure what day he was actually born on, so why not celebrate both days. He now leaves us also close to midnight, so we now have 2 days to celebrate his rise into heaven.


Russ was born in Oshkosh on September 3, 1950, the son of Howard & Joyce (Bricco) Crossman. He married Margaret (Maggie) Czoschke on October 30, 1971.
Russ worked at the Universal Foundry from 1969 - 1981. He then worked at the Arrowhead Conveyor Company until his retirement in 2005. He was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.
He served in the USMC from 1971 - 1973. He also joined & retired from the Wisconsin National Guard 1157th Transportation Company. Russ served his country in Vietnam & in Operation Desert Storm. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1908, AM VETS Post 7, Old Timers 32nd Division-Brigade, Marine Corps League Winnebago Detachment and the United Veterans Honor Guard.


Russ's favorite pastimes included putting together model cars, watching movies, having cookouts with his family and dining at The Roxy. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He is a proud veteran and held his service to our country true to his heart. You could always find him on the 4th of July watching the parade and then spending time at the AM VETS tent with his fellow veterans. One of his wishes when he became ill was to go to Washington D.C. to visit all the memorials and the Capital and White House. In the fall of 2005 he got his wish and his family joined him for a week long trip that we will keep in our hearts forever.


Russ is survived by his wife of 37 years Maggie; and their children, Shelli (Matt) Tooke, their children, Jacob, Anna and Russell; Peter (special friend Andrea Schaefer) Crossman, his daughter Madelyn and her mother Jennifer Crossman; and Matthew (Maggie) Crossman and their son, Micheal and their unborn daughter; his mother and step father, Joyce and Phil Nett; brothers, Ron (Linda) Crossman of West Allis, Bill Crossman, Greg Nett, Mike (Sue) Nett, Sam (Nancy) Nett all of Oshkosh; sisters, Lisa (Bucky) Miller of Fond Du Lac, Terry (Nick) Ripple of Pickett, Tammy (Jerry) Luchinski of Potter, Wisconsin, Roxanne (Don) Wachveitl of Oshkosh, Pam (Paul) Bamman of Frankfort, IL, and Shirley (Bill) Vanorum o of Oshkosh; brother-in-law Gordy (Karen) Czoschke, and their daughter Crissy and her fiance Adam Ellison ,Oshkosh; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and numerous friends and family. He is further survived by his great friends, Jon and Linda Whitpan, Tom and Bonnie Manske, Jerry and Bonnie Bochinski; a favorite cousin, Sue Frost and her daughter Tracy; and his buddy and faithful dog Sandy. Russell was preceded in death by his father Howard, step-mother Pat, his father and mother-in-law Elmer and Ruth Czoschke, and aunts and uncles.


The family wishes to thank all the friends and family who called and visited in these final weeks and for their prayers and concern. They would also like to thank Dr. Anthony Phillips and his Neenah & Appleton staff at Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology, The staff at Theda Clark in the CCU and 5th floor and the Theda Care Hospice nurses and CNA's A memorial has been established in Russ' name to the American Cancer Society.


Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 808 North Main Street, with Reverend Ted Johanson officiating. Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Park with Military Honors given by the United Veterans Honor Guard. A time of visitation and sharing of memories will be held on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.

Seefeld Funeral and
Cremation Services
(920) 236-7750