RUSSELL BYRON WIMMER's Obituary
Russell Byron Wimmer, age 87, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2015 at his home in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeanne; his children Paul (Martha) Wimmer, Mary (Wes) Parsons and 8 grandchildren Rachel and Jessie Wimmer, Thomas and Timothy Giles, Kevin,Stephen, James and Nicholas Parsons. His son Peter passed away in 1984.
Russell was born in Southern Illinois and grew up in the Chicago area where he attended Proviso High School. In 1945, as soon as he turned 17, he enlisted in the navy with several classmates and graduated high school in absentia. He served aboard the USS President Jackson, was honorably discharged in 1946 and awarded the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal. He was recalled to active duty in October 1950 and served aboard the USS Logan. He was again honorably discharged in August 1954 and awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the China Service Medal. After the navy, Russell continued to serve his country with a full career at the Veterans Administration. His work with the VA included several postings in Washington DC where his expertise was sought throughout the VA. His career took him to VA hospitals in Chicago IL, Richmond VA, Seattle WA, St. Louis MO, Beckley WV ,Louisville KY and in the VA Central Office in Washington D.C. He retired with honors in 1989 as a hospital director.
In retirement Russell enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He and Jeanne went on over 50 cruises taking them throughout the Caribbean, to Alaska, Hawaii, through the Mediterranean and North Sea into Russia and Scandinavia. When he wasn’t traveling he could be found with his family and grandchildren spreading love and smiles with his bright personality.
Russell is known for his love of travel, music, dancing and making people laugh. He was many things to many people, but to his family he will always be our loving husband, father and grandfather.
Friends may call at Van Orsdel Kendall Chapel, 11220 N. Kendall Dr. Miami, FL on December 2 from 6-8 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4187 SW 72nd St, Miami, FL at 1 pm on December 3. In lieu of flowers the family asks that mass intentions be made in Russell’s name or contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s association.
Condolences may be left at the online memorial at http://www.vanorsdel.com/.
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