Russell J. Dern

Russell J. Dern, age 92, of Fond du Lac passed away peacefully on November 22nd, 2018, at Agnesian Hospice Home of Hope. Russ was born August 8th, 1926, in Wausau, WI, one of seven children born to Albert J. and Josephine A. Dern. Russ enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1945 when world war II ended, and then went on to graduate with a business degree from Fond du Lac Vocational School where he met his bride, Ione D. Kukulka. They married on August 6, 1949, and had two children, David and Richard.

Russ started his professional career with Universal CIT Credit Corp. He worked for 16 years as a branch manager and relocated every 3 to 4 years across the Midwest. In 1964, Russ moved to Fond du lac for a second time to work for First Wisconsin National Bank, now US Bank, in business loans and retired in 1988 as a vice president. He was very proud of his business relationships with his many customers and being promoted to vice president of the Fond du Lac branch.

Russ loved to hunt and fish, and outlived most of his close friends that he enjoyed being outdoors with. Russ spent every hour he could whether it was on the trout stream in his earlier years or lake fishing on Winnebago, Michigan, or several other lakes. He also enjoyed grouse and duck hunting and was active in Ducks Unlimited.

Russ is survived by his son, Richard (Katherine) Dern of Madison; Jessica Dern, granddaughter, of Stoughton; and Barbara Fox, sister, of Brookfield, Wi.

Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Fond du Lac, Wi. on Saturday December 8th at 10:30 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:45 with lunch and an informal celebration on his life to follow. Russ was an active member of the church for over 50 years. A private burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may directed to Agnesian Hospice Home of Hope or First Presbyterian Church Endowment fund.