Russel Fredrick "Russ" Bowers, 66, Green Bay, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024 with his wife by his side, after a short illness. He was born March 5, 1958, in Green Bay to Richard and Shirley (Kroening) Bowers.

Russ graduated from Premontre High School, Class of 1976. He went on to attend Fox Valley Technical Institute. He met Barbara Robertson and they were married on September 8, 1979 at Nativity Catholic Church. Sometimes they joked they put up with each other for a long time, and other times that they were blessed to have so many years together. He and Barb had two daughters- Kathy and Kristy.

He worked many years for Shopko at the Distribution Center, and then for the Press Gazette delivering newspapers before retiring. More than working, Russ really enjoyed his free time. He loved fishing with his dad, week-long family camping trips, and visiting family cottages on Anderson Lake and Lake Ellwood. He and Barb were able to enjoy trips to the Porcupine Mountains, Smokey Mountains, Las Vegas (his one and only plane ride), and Perdido Key, FL. He loved planning vacations and mapping out the whole trip in his atlas.

He was an avid sports fan (avid might be an understatement). He loved cheering on his Packers, attended several games, and hardly ever missed a game at home. He also enjoyed the Badgers, Brewers, and just about any other game that was on TV.

Russ's 6 other joys started arriving in 2008 and they called him Papa. He loved watching his grandchildren grow and play. He was always so proud of them. Russ had a very caring heart; he'd often drop what he was doing to help out a family member or friend.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barb; two daughters Kathy (Joel) Pansier and Kristy (Ken Longo) Hendzel; grandchildren, Kadence, Ray, and Will Pansier, and Hayden, Jack, and Brooklyn Hendzel; siblings, Terri (Tom) Joseph, Jim (Mary) Bowers and Rick (Mary) Bowers; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Don (Bonnie) Robertson, Tom (Pat) Robertson, Nancy Peters, Kevin Robertson, Mary Jo (Dave) Kittell, and Lynn (Mark) Miszewski; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Shirley; niece, Mary Beth Joseph; sister- in-law; Pat Robertson, and brother-in-law; Larry Peters.

Friends and family will gather at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2270 S. Oneida St., from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15; Mass to follow at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.  To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

The family would like to thank Russ and Barb's amazing neighbors, Ashwaubenon public safety, and St. Vincent's amazing ICU, and hospital staff.