Russell E. Wren, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2023 of an apparent heart attack.
He was born on October 29, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to Arthur B. and Iva Lora Mae (Rhodelander) Wren. In 1953, Russ was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following service 2.5 years, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and retired in July 1978 as Senior Chief Petty Officer, serving a combined total of 22.5 years.
Prior to his military service, he attended Central High School in Kansas City.
Following his retirement, Russ was employed at Ametek, where he met his longtime companion, Karen Techel, and spent many happy years together with her.
In his earlier years, Russell enjoyed fishing, bowling, golf and playing cribbage.
Russell is survived by his loving companion and best friend, Karen; his children, Wesley (Nancy) Wren, Joseph Wren and Teresa (Robert) Smith. He is further survived by grandchildren, Cassandra Wren, Wesley (Cera) Wren, Dylan Wren, Ashland Wren, Jill (Josh) Trull, Lisa Smith and Robbie (Sonya) Smith; and five great-grandchildren. Karen’s family also survives. Karen’s mother, Ione Otto; Karen’s siblings, Lori (Anthony) Smith, John (Barb) Techel, Donna Pruett, Shelly (Brad) Johnson and Sherry (Scott) Koenigs and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Artie Wren, Jack Root, and Benny Caylor; sister, Jenny Bilyeu and his former wife, Peggy Wren.
A funeral service will be held for Russell at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th St., Sheboygan, with a time of visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Entombment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park with military honors provided by VFW Post 9156.
Memorials are preferred to St. Jude Research Hospital.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sanjay Suthar, Dr. Nicholas Gustafson, and the staff of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center for their excellent care over the years.
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