Russell "Rusty" Titel

Russell C. “Rusty” Titel, 76, Wrightstown, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013 peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Rusty was born April 27, 1936 in Greenleaf, WI, son of the late Harold and Hallie (Peterson) Titel. He graduated from Wrightstown High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He served his country in the United States Army. He married Carol Gerrits, June 24, 1957, and she preceded him in death January 31, 1981. Rusty married Nancy Schmelter (Meulemans), November 27, 1982 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Wrightstown. He worked at Thilmany Pulp and Paper/Akrosil Company for 33 years holding various positions which included sales representative, customer service manager and safety coordinator, retiring in 1992. Rusty enjoyed playing softball, coaching Wrightstown Youth Sports, bowling, playing cards - especially Sheepshead, golfing, was involved in the Wrightstown Alumni Association and the Wrightstown Historical Society. He was an active member of St. Paul Parish in Wrightstown, where he sang in the church choir and was a lector. Rusty was also a member of the Wrightstown American Legion Post 436, where he was active with the firing squad for many years. Rusty was a proud stock holder and lifelong Packers fan, often following “his” team to other stadiums. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Nancy; six children: Lisa (Ed) Piontek, Scott (special friend-Julie) Titel, Brian (Nancy) Titel, Kevin Titel, Tony (Lisa) Titel, and Michelle Titel; 3 step-children: Vicki (Dennis) Schutz, Steve (Kerri) Schmelter, and Bonnie (Bob) Seidel; 11 grandchildren; 4 step-grand children; 1 great grandchildren; one brother, Roy Titel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Roger Gerrits, Dolores Kettenhofen, Gerald (Mary Jane) Gerrits, Jr., Norma Buechler; Nancy’s family: Dale (Dolly) Meulemans, Sandy (Lloyd) Gehring, Lynn Meulemans, Sherry (Ron) Demske; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and first wife, Rusty was preceded in death by a sister, Alana Kloes; brothers-in-law, Pete and Bruce Meulemans; fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law, Gerald and Leona Gerrits, and Adrian and Evelyn Meulemans. Family and friends may call Thursday, March 14, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of Mass at 2:00 p.m. at St. Clare Parish-St. Paul site, Wrightstown, with Fr. Carl Meulemans officiating. Full Military Honors will be held at the church following the funeral mass. Cotter Funeral Home, Wrightstown, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Rusty’s name. The family extends a special thank you to Unity Hospice, Dr. Matthew Ryan and Green Bay Oncology, and all the family, friends and neighbors who provided so much love and support.