Russell 'Russ' D. Iwen

Russell D. Iwen, 80, of Merrill, passed away at home on Thursday, June 12, 2025, under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.

Russell was born September 26, 1944, in Milwaukee, son of Reuben and Evelyn (Payne) Iwen. He married Kathleen Bosi on November 11, 1972, in Merrill. She survives.

With special permission from his parents, Russ enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 on June 11, 1962 and served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on October 4, 1966. A lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill, Russ had served as the Quartermaster, Junior Vice Commander, and Commander of the Honor Guard. He also served as the Wisconsin V.F.W. 7th District Commander. Russ was well known for his work with the Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy youth programs.

Russ worked on the Building and Bridges (B&B) Crew for Soo Line Railroad and Canadian Pacific Railway. He was very proud to work for the union with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees and held various leadership positions within the union.

Russ loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping and for more than 20 years he had a permanent campsite at the Chain of Lakes Campground in Eagle River. While in Eagle River, he liked to spend time fishing, pontooning and visiting with family and friends especially around the campfire. Russ also enjoyed gardening, bird watching and hunting. He looked forward to traveling to Canada to visit his family and to fish, deer hunt, and grouse hunt. Russ and Kathy loved traveling and had taken several trips out east and out west, several cruises, and also visited Europe. Russ was proud of his five grandsons and loved spending time with them.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy Iwen of Merrill; daughters, Angelina (Murray Frenette) Anderson of Dryden, Ontario, Canada and Melissa Dettmering (Shawn McMahon) of Merrill; five grandsons, Bruce Anderson of Portland, Oregon, Gunnar Anderson of Newport, Rhode Island, Russell Dettmering of Merrill, Arin Dettmering (fiancée Erica Arneson) of Merrill, and Andrew Dettmering of Merrill; brother, Roger (Jody) Iwen of Parrish; sisters-in-law, Jean Goodell of Rhinelander, Nancy Drew of Merrill, Darlene ‘Dolly’ Tanck of Merrill, and Karen (Brian) Grund of Merrill; sixteen nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and great nephews.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Evelyn Iwen; brother, Reuben ‘Shorty’ (Bonnie) Iwen; and in-laws, Francis Goodell, Art Drew, Lonnie Tanck, Margaret & Anton ‘Babe’ Bennish.

A celebration of Russ’ life will be held at 4:00 P.M., Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Northwoods Veteran Post - 601 Johnson St., Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 P.M. at the Post. Inurnment will take place in St. Francis Xavier Veterans Memorial immediately following the celebration of life. Graveside military rites will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill and the State of Wisconsin Military Funeral Honor Guard.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com