Russell E. Wacker

Obituary for Russell E. Wacker Russell E. Wacker, age 93, of Ashland, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, September 23, 2016 at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster, following a short illness. He was born on October 14, 1922 in Elyria to Herbert and Ruby (Krugman) Wacker. Russell grew up on the family’s farm where he learned the value of a hard day’s work. As the second oldest of twelve children, he was proud of the work ethic that was instilled in him. Even later in life, he was always available when the family needed him, from bailing hay, harvesting a garden, making his famous apple butter or just loving on his children. He married Norma R. Thompson in March 1944. The couple was blessed with two children, five grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Spending time with family was a top priority for “Papa and Grandma” and they rarely missed a family event. They also enjoyed traveling and were members of the Good Sam Camper Club. Norma went home to be with the Lord in March 2004. Russell worked as a Millwright for U.S. Steel in Lorain for many years before retiring in 1980. The steel mill provided fodder for many of the stories he loved to tell. He had lived in the Lorain County area for most of his life before moving to Ashland in 1986. Russell loved The Lord and was a very active church member throughout the years. He was a former member of Camden Baptist Church in Lorain County and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Ashland. A true servant, Russell loved to help any neighbor or friend who needed it. He was a knowledgeable handyman, and could make just about anything, especially out of wood. He took pride in the many years he served as a 4-H advisor, helping young people with various projects from animals to welding. Late into his 80’s, Russell could be found, out in the bitter cold, plowing snow from his neighbor’s driveways on Edgehill Rd. He is survived by his siblings, JoAnne Pasadyn of LaGrange, OH; Robert (Arlene) Wacker of Elyria, OH; LaVon (James) Venus of Chatham, OH; Allen (Janet) Wacker of Houston, TX; Betty Ann McConnel of New London, OH; and Gary (Elsie) Wacker of Sullivan, OH; daughter-in-law, Joanne Wacker Tasso of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; grandchildren, Beth Jackson-Harmelink and her 4 children of Austin, TX; Carol (Bob) Jackson-Wallace and their 2 children of LaGrange, OH; Amanda Jackson and her 2 children of North Olmsted, OH; Adam (Jody) Wacker and their 3 children of Hugoton, KS; and Stephanie (Aaron) Gaines and their 5 children of Smithville, OH. In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by a son, Bruce Wacker; a daughter, Sharon Jackson; brothers, Elden, Leon and Paul Wacker; sisters, Alberta Sprinkle and Audrey Scheck. A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Wooster Nazarene Church. Long time family friend and former Pastor of Camden Baptist Church, Pastor Cal Searles, will officiate. The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall for a time of fellowship and food. A private interment will take place at the convenience of the family at Pioneer Cemetery near Loudonville. Memorial contributions may be made to: LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691. Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is honored with serving the family. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at: custer-glenn.com.

Russell E. Wacker

October 14, 1922 - September 23, 2016