Russell Arthur Werch, age 93, of Oshkosh, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 1, 2011. Born on February 21, 1918, in rural Berlin, Wisconsin, a son of the late Reinhold and Olga (Pagel) Werch. Russell received his education in the Berlin Public School System. He was a former member of the Berlin Assembly of God Church and New Life Community Church, Oshkosh. Russell served as a Board Member, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and Superintendent for many years.
A member of Gideon's International since the 1970's, he worked for the Berlin Chapman Company in the 1940's. For nine years Russell managed Werch Implement until 1956. He was a Berlin City Alderman for the 3rd Ward, before moving to Oshkosh, where he was a machinist for 24 years at Oshkosh Truck Corporation, retiring March 1, 1980. While at Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Russell was a member of The Society of Manufacturing Engineers in the 1970's, where he held the office of Secretary. A master builder, owning a building business (Fox Valley Builders & Designers) with his father-in-law, Emil Lindquist, Russell built almost all of the homes he lived in. In retirement, as a hobby, he had a wood working shop, building grandfather clocks, smaller clocks, and furniture for family and friends.
Three wives precede Russell in death, Eleanor Lindquist Werch in 1973 after 32 years of marriage, that was blessed with three daughters, Nancy (John) Black of Nashville, Tennessee, Judith (James) Ryder of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Melodi (Robert) McGuire of Oshkosh.
In 1979, Russell married Helena Skaret Doese Werch in Poynette, Wisconsin, who died after 11 years of marriage. Her surviving children are Norman (Shirley) Doese, Neil (Gail) Doese, and Mary Crapp.
On January 18, 1992, Russell married Betty Johnson Koeshall Werch in Madison, Wisconsin. His beloved Betty passed away after 17 years of marriage on May 27, 2009, due to lymphoma cancer. Her surviving children are Dan Koeshall of San Diego, California, David Koeshall of Madison, and Kurt (Michelle) Koeshall of Milwaukee.
Also surviving are six grandchildren, John David (Shelley) Black of Lebanon, Tennessee, Jason (Robin) Black of Franklin, Tennessee, Kimberly (Scott) Hunniford of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jeremy (Katrina) Ryder of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Melissa McGuire of Los Angeles, California, and Matthew McGuire of Nashville, Tennessee; 13 great-grandchildren and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Elaine Werch of Berlin, Wisconsin; two nieces, Karen (David) Kligerman of Hawaii and Sandy (Larry) Dehn of Berlin, Wisconsin; and many dear cousins. Preceding Russell in death are two sisters, Eleanor Werch Shulfer and Marjorie Werch; and a brother, Robert Werch.
Russell and Betty moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, in 1998, after Betty retired and were very active in the Bella Vista Assembly of God Church and community. Russell relocated back to Oshkosh in July, 2009. He resided at Evergreen Retirement Community-Creekview South and attended Community Church on Ryf Road in Oshkosh.
On Tuesday, April 5, 2011, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., family and friends may gather to visit and share memories of Russell at Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 1025 Oregon Street, where a service and celebration of Russell's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. lead by Pastor James Ryder. Private family interment will be held at Nepeuskum Cemetery near Berlin, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, it was Russell's wish that memorials be made to Gideons International or Community Church of Oshkosh. His family wishes to extend thanks to the many friends and family who visited, called, or sent cards to our Dad - you made him feel so special! Also, we thank Evergreen Retirement Community-Creekview South nurses and staff for all their care and kindness to our Dad---you all are the best and we will never forget you! We were blessed with the best Dad and "Gumpy" ever! Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.
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