Russell "Russ" J. Schleicher

Russell “Russ” J. Schleicher, 65, Wausau passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

He was born March 18, 1957, in Columbus, son of the late Clarence and Victoria (Rake) Schleicher.  On June 20, 1981, he married Karen Ahrens in Milwaukee.  She survives.

For many years Russ was the owner of the Spring Green Lawn Care Service that served Wood County.  Under his ownership the business grew considerably winning many awards for his accomplishments.  Some of his favorite pastimes included reading, joke telling and would tell jokes to anyone he would meet,  playing poker with his card buddies, being an avid Packer, Badger, Brewer and Bucks fan as well as a fan of all sports and a huge trivia buff.  He enjoyed singing and was a former member of the Wausau Barbershoppers.  He liked cooking, smoking meats and enjoyed experimenting with new recipes.  He loved family vacations and many were spent visiting Major League Baseball stadiums with the goal of seeing all thirty stadiums.  He was active in Marathon County Youth Hockey as the manager of his son’s hockey teams when they were younger and also served as a treasurer, game scheduler and tournament  director for the association.

Survivors include his loving wife, Karen Schleicher, Wausau, his three sons, Troy (Lindsay) Tushoski, Augusta, GA, Seth (Claire) Schleicher, White Bear Lake, MN and Dylan (Tricia) Schleicher, San Antonio, Texas, four grandchildren, Harper Tushoski, Evelyn, Theodore and Vaughn Schleicher and his siblings, Norbert (Vickie) Schleicher, Waupaca, Brian Schleicher, Beaver Dam, Gloria (Tom) Gregor, Holmen, Ione (Phil) Hausler, CO, Phil (Steve) Schleicher, Madison and Janis (Brian) Neevel, Friendship and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Lydia and Elmer Ahrens, his brother-in-law, Dale Ahrens, nephews, Benjamin Neevel and Kurt Schleicher.

Family and Friends, please join us in celebrating the life of Russ Schleicher on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Loppnow’s Sports Bar, 1502 N. 3rd St., Wausau, from Noon until 4:00 p.m.   We would love you to join us for lunch and share your stories and favorite memories of Russ.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to area food pantries or the Marathon County Humane Society.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com