Russell Grayson Coley

Russ Coley passed away peacefully in his sleep in Monday morning, May 12, 2008. He died at his home at the age of 81. Russ was born in Appleton on June 12, 1926, son of the late Carroll and Agnes (Nelson) Coley. After graduating from high school, Russ entered the United States Army. His service to his country ended when he was wounded in Germany and shipped home to be with his family. It was at this time that he continued his education by taking some courses at MSOE. On June 12, 1948, he married the former Merle Sieber; she survives. For nearly forty years, Russ worked for Wisconsin Electric, retiring as an Operations Supervisor. A longtime and faithful member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Appleton, Russ enjoyed spending time with his family, travel, home improvement projects, crafts, and had a special liking for strawberry shortcake.

He is survived by his wife: Merle Coley of Appleton; four children: Bruce (Diane) Coley of Milwaukee; Reid (Cynthia) Coley of Mequon; Debra (Joseph) Van Beek of Green Bay; and Randy (Sandy) Coley of Forrest Lake, Minnesota; ten grandchildren: Jennifer Coley, Jill Coley, Kristi Coley, Tim (Marissa) Coley, Tom Burke, Amy (Johannes) Van Veen, Stephanie (Jordan) Grimes, Merrick Van Beek, Brian Coley, and Jeff Coley; six great-grandchildren: Isabelle and Ian Van Veen, Michael and Marie Burke, and Jadan and Quinn Grimes. He is also survived by a brother: Jim Coley of Kent, Connecticut, and by Merle's sisters: Valeria Van Groll of Spring Hill, Florida. Joraine Groat of Berwyn, Illinois, and Marcella (Lawrence) Bohman of Brillion. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister Carol, a great-grandson Tommy Burke, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The funeral for Russ will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 16, 2008 at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Beth Macha of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church officiating. Inurnment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again Friday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
920-739-1231