Russell Wheeler

Russell Alan Wheeler, 69, of Pardeeville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born on December 28, 1956, in Madison, Wisconsin, Russ was the son of Forrest William Wheeler and Joy (Souther) Leverich.

Russ was a man who appreciated life’s simple pleasures, although anyone who knew him would probably agree that he could make even the simplest gathering a little more entertaining.

Russ proudly served in the United States Navy from 1975 to 1980, having enlisted while still in high school during the Vietnam War era. He served as part of the Navy’s Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) program, a full-time active-duty program supporting the training, operations, and readiness of Naval Reserve forces. As a trained aircrewman aboard the Navy’s P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, Russ participated in submarine detection and tracking operations, including an operation involving a missing Russian submarine. His Navy years gave him not only experiences and stories that would last a lifetime, but also friendships he treasured for the rest of his life.

Following his military service, Russ built a long career with Alliant Energy, where he worked from 1980 until his retirement in 2023.

On May 13, 2000, Russ married the love of his life, Wendy Jo Erickson, in Portage, Wisconsin. That day marked not only the beginning of their marriage, but the joining of two hearts and two families into one. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, cherished memories, and the everyday moments that make a family special. Blending their families brought blessings beyond what either could have imagined, and the love they shared only grew stronger through the years. Through life’s joys and challenges, they stood beside one another, creating a home filled with warmth, love, and belonging. Their marriage was a blessing, and the family they brought together will forever be part of the beautiful legacy Russ leaves behind.

But work and family responsibilities were only part of his story. Russ knew how to enjoy life, and he found happiness in the things and people he loved most.

If there was water, a fishing pole, and the possibility of catching a walleye, Russ was a happy man. Fishing trips to Minnesota were among his favorite ways to spend his time. And if the fish weren’t biting, there was always a good story to tell about the one that got away.

Russ found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved listening to music while sitting on his deck, looking out over the lake and watching the many different species of birds he worked so hard to attract. With an impressive collection of bird feeders, he made sure there was always something to bring his feathered visitors back. He could spend hours enjoying the view, listening to his favorite music, and watching the birds come and go. It was his little piece of paradise, and he appreciated every bit of it.

Russ also loved grilling, smoking meat, baking cookies, and spending time with family and friends. Some of his favorite memories were made surrounded by old friends, especially at the annual Fourth of July parties hosted by his Navy buddy Dave and his wife, Theresa. Those gatherings were something Russ looked forward to year after year, filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of friendships that only grew stronger with time.

Russ was also a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, and watching a game with him was an experience all its own. To say he was animated would be an understatement. He cheered, hollered, questioned the calls, and offered plenty of unsolicited coaching advice from his living room. You would have thought the players, referees, and announcers could actually hear him! Win or lose, there was never a dull moment when Russ was watching his Packers.

Russ had a special place in his heart for animals, particularly his beloved golden retriever, Sadie. Throughout his life, he loved all his dogs dearly. They weren’t just pets to him; they were family, loyal companions, and a source of unconditional love and happiness.

Above all, Russ loved his family. He shared his life with his loving wife, Wendy Jo Wheeler, and was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love wasn’t always expressed in grand gestures. Sometimes it was a meal, a conversation, a little teasing, or simply being there when someone needed him.

Russ is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Jo Wheeler; his children, Christopher Alan Wheeler and Jamie Broesch (Matt Hinze); his mother, Joy Leverich; his sister, Jeannine (Doug) Price; his grandchildren, Ashley Wheeler, Audrey Wheeler, Hunter Broesch, Kali Broesch, Austin Broesch, and Mattilyn Hinze; and his great-granddaughter, Willow Broesch, who held a very special place in his heart.

He is also survived by four nieces and one nephew; his longtime best friends, Mike and Darla Wellcome; his close local friend, Jeff Audiss; and his cherished Navy buddies, Dave, Mark, Mark, Randy, and Terry. These friendships stood the test of time, and the memories, laughter, and stories they shared remained a treasured part of Russ’s life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Forrest William Wheeler; his sister, Dawnine Wheeler; his stepson, Kyle Wayne McKibben; and his stepfather, Lowell Leverich.

A celebration of Russ’s life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Achterberg Archery, Pardee Sports Club, 22, in Pardeeville, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, tell a few fishing stories, and celebrate a life well lived.

Russ will be privately laid to rest at Pardeeville Cemetery.

Although his family will miss him beyond words, there is comfort in knowing that his struggles are over. No more difficult breaths, no more pain, and no more limitations.

Just peaceful waters, a fishing pole in his hands, and all the time in the world to catch the big one.

Until we meet again, Russ. We hope the walleyes are biting.