Russell Vetter "Russ" Tauferner

Russell Vetter Tauferner, 92, died peacefully surrounded by family on June 17, 2017, at his home in River Falls, WI.

Russ was born April 12, 1925, in Knowlton, WI to the late Alfred and Lena Tauferner. After graduating from Wausau High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served in the Marines on active duty during World War II and the Korean War. Russ lived the motto “Once a Marine Always a Marine.” On Oct. 30, 1948, he married Phyllis Buttke at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau.

Russ worked the majority of his career at Wisconsin Public Service Corp. until his retirement in 1987. Russ was active in his church, 4-H, and the Mosinee VFW Post 8733. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodcarving, gardening, camping, reading military history books, and spending time with his family.

Russ is survived by his daughters Patricia Wieland, Brookings, SD, Sandra (Myron Mortell) Tauferner, Ellsworth, WI, Barbara Tauferner, Minneapolis, MN, and Kristine West, Palm City, FL; grandchildren Emily, Katie, Jason (Erin), and Ava; and great granddaughter Lani. He is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Phyllis, sister Shirley Meadows, brother Allan Tauferner, and son-in-law Paul Wieland.

A memorial service to celebrate Russell’s life will be held on July 15, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 901 11th Street, Mosinee, WI. Friends may call beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. A lunch will be served at the church following the service. Interment at the Mosinee Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Russ’ name to the Mosinee VFW Post 8733, St. John Lutheran Church, Mosinee, or Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Arrangements done with the assistance of Bakken-Young Funeral and Cremation Services, River Falls, WI, and Beste Funeral Home of Mosinee, WI. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com.