Volz, Russel Lee

Russel Lee Volz, age 64 of New London, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 25, 2012, under the care of his family and ThedaCare Hospice. Russ was born on September 5, 1947, to Eldor and Ilene (Tech) Volz. On January 25, 1970, Russ was married to Cathy Tveten from Antigo, WI. Russ was raised on several farms in rural New London and went to Emanuel Lutheran School, and then graduated from New London High School in 1965. He enjoyed sports in school such as basketball and football, and was active in FFA. He was always a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed doing farm chores and being around animals. This would prove to never change throughout his life. After graduation Russ had further education in South Dakota to become a farrier for horses. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in December of 1966 and proudly served on many different bases and in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in December of 1968. Russ then accepted employment at Curwood in New London where he worked for many years. While working at Curwood, Russ worked for his brother Dennis at the “Crystal Chandelier” restaurant as a bartender, co-owned and managed the snowmobile shop in New London with his brother Dennis and Pete Snyder. In 1977 Russ and Cathy bought his grandfather’s farm and home in the Township of Maple Creek. They farmed until 1993. Following, Russ managed a large dairy farm and worked for Daily Construction Company. Russ also co-owned and installed for New London Floor Center. Even after his diagnoses of cancer, Russ never slowed down doing odd carpentry jobs, driving tractor for a sauerkraut company. Russ was a lifelong member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London. He was an avid fan of the New London Bulldogs. In April of 2011, Russ visited Washington D.C. as part of the Old Glory Honor Flight. Russ is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter, Beth (Kirk) Roloff and their children: Abby Bierman, Scotty Bierman, and Howie Roloff; son, Brian (DeAnna) Volz and their children: Matt (Winter) VanLyssel-Volz, Nathanial, Bradley, Jacob, Zachary, Katelynn, and Caragan Volz. Russ was also a great-grandpa to Zane, Zoey, and Brooklyn. He is further survived by his mother, Ilene; two brothers, two sisters, and their spouses; and numerous other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Eldor; and step-granddaughter, Jackie VanLyssel. A funeral service for Russ was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London, with Rev. Brian Hennig officiating. Family and friends called at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again directly at church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial is in New Maple Creek Cemetery, Township of Maple Creek, where military honors will be held. Dad, we do not believe the cancer beat you, God just chose to let you rest. You’re the strongest person we’ve ever known and you’ve had the respect of everyone that’s been fortunate enough to know you. They’re lucky in heaven to have you. We know you’ll make them laugh…just like you made us smile here. Thanks for making our life here on earth a better time, and we can’t wait to see you upstairs!