Russell F. Wickus

Russell Frank Wickus was sent to his eternal home on January 12, 2026, at the SpringBrook Assisted Living Center in La Crosse, WI. He was 90 years old. The family is deeply saddened by his death. Russ was born on November 3, 1935. Russ is survived and missed by his loving second wife, Phyllis, his children, Scott, and Jeff. Forever cherished and remembered by his 7 grandchildren, Andrea, Jonathon, Joelle, Ethan, Louisa, Desiree, Henry, 6 great-grandchildren, Maria, Christoper, Patrick, Susan, Aymaar, Gregory, 1 step-great-grandchild, Anthony. His memory will be cherished by several nieces and nephews and many friends. Russ was predeceased by his father, Adelbert, his mother, Zoe, his first wife, Dorothy, his sisters Kaye and Betty, and his brothers Dick, Roger, and Ronnie. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, John & Genevieve, Sondra & Jack, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was born in Darlington, WI, the son of Del and Zoe Wickus. Later on, the family moved to Adams, WI, where he eventually met the girl that would grow up to be his wife. He was a very patriotic man. After High School Graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force. When Russ came home for his first leave, he and Dorothy Bidar were married in Adams, WI. Russ and Dorothy then moved down to El Paso, TX, where Russ worked at the Biggs Air Force Base, which later became Fort Bliss. Sons Scott and Jeff were both born there. After Russ’s time in the Air Force, he and Dorothy moved to Racine, WI, and eventually to Janesville, WI, where Russ worked on computer systems for Parker Pen. Eventually, they landed in La Crosse, WI, where Russ worked as a Systems Analyst Lead at the Trane Co. Dorothy passed away in 2008, and he remained in La Crosse until he married Phyllis Wilson in 2014. He then moved to Onalaska, WI. Russ and Dorothy enjoyed evenings with friends, fishing with family and friends, including many fishing trips, travelling around the country, bowling, and golf. Russ and Phyllis enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends, especially on holidays, and at birthdays and weddings. Russ was active in the lives of his sons and eventually with his grandchildren. He taught all of us many life lessons that are part of our character today. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and honor.

Russ was an avid Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, and UW-Madison sports fan. His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we control our attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service. The family requests that all memorials be donated to either the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer's Association. The Celebration of Life for Russ is planned as follows: Saturday, March 14, at Rivers Harvest Church, 1001 Quincy St., Onalaska, WI 54650. There will be a visitation starting at 11:00, with a service starting at 12:00, followed by lunch.