Russell Cleveland

Russell Cleveland, 78, of Minocqua passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born July 25, 1936 to the late Clayton and Erna (Zapfe) Cleveland. Celebrating 57 years of marriage, Russell married Marie Ruedinger at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau on July 30, 1957. For 35 years Russell was employed at Schuette Homes working as a lumber yard foreman. He later drove truck for Wick's Lumber. While working at Schuette's and Wick's, Russell operated Russ's Small Engine Repair from his home. In 1987, Russell and Marie moved to Minocqua where they enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing. Russell loved ice fishing, deer and small game hunting, snowmobiling and four wheeling. At the age of 72, he took up motorcycle riding purchasing his very first motorcycle and later his Spyder. His favorite past times were feeding the deer and taking care of his faithful companion, Angel.
Survivors include his wife, Marie of Minocqua, two daughters, Judy Cleveland of Ringle, Laurie (Thomas) Kleinschmidt of Weston, one son, John Cleveland of Wausau, five grandchildren, Chrissy Hoff, Keli Kleinschmidt, Ashley (fiancé-Harley Schulz) Kleinschmidt, Jeremy Baker, Amelia Cleveland, one great grandson, Gavin, one sister, Jeannie Ninnemann of Rothschild, one brother, Jerry (Elena) Cleveland of Richmond, VA and special friend, Ferd Gehrke of Woodruff. Russell was preceded in death by four children, Russell Jr., Pat, Kathy and Margaret.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Father Tom Huff of Holy Name Parish will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Saturday at the funeral home from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at Helke.com.