Russell "Russ" A. Nieland

Russell “Russ” Allen Nieland, age 65 of Little Chute, WI passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family.  He was born to Delmar and Adeline (Schmitz) Nieland on August 26, 1958 in Appleton, WI.   Russ graduated from Appleton West High School with the class of ’76 and went on to earn his Journeyman title from Fox Valley Technical College.  He applied his skills as a Journeyman for sheet metal fabrication with Sheet Metal Workers Local 18 and Bassett Mechanical, jobs he worked most of his life.   Russ married the love of his life, Sheryl Schumacher in November of 1985 and together, they raised 3 wonderful children.   

Russ was a truly great man who always had a smile on his face.  He was the kind of guy to literally give you the shirt off of `his back if you needed it.  Russ had a generous spirit and an interesting tradition of giving away or trading fresh fish to strangers.  He dedicated much of life to helping those in need.  Russ had a deep appreciation for the art of fishing and often went hunting too.   He journeyed to his cabin as often as he could.  Russ loved his family above all else and would never let anything happen to them.   Never question that either – he wasn’t afraid to get in a scrap to defend his, his family’s, or his friends’ honor.  You could often find him hoarding blueberries and other blueberry-flavored snacks.   Russ was a tinkerer and always had a project on his table.  As rough around the edges as he was and for as many scraps as he got in, he was always a big softie on the inside and didn’t even like cussing.  He always had an interesting sense of humor that most people couldn’t wrap their head around.  Russ was incredibly intelligent and always looking to improve himself – every day, every week, every month, and every year.  He was dedicated to being the best version of himself that he could be.   More than anything, though, Russ loved his wife, his kids, and his grandkids, and was so proud of the family he helped to raise.  

Russ will be deeply missed by his wife, Sheryl; his children, Troy (Mary), Anthony, and Samantha (Logan); his grandchildren, Drake, Harvey, and Dean; his siblings, Barb (Mark), Sue (Dick), Larry, Bonnie (Mike), and Sharon (Lance); as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.  

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Adeline; his parents-in-law, Bernard and Lucille; his sister, Judith; his sister-in-law, Dawn; and his nephew, Joey.

A funeral visitation will be held for Russ on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4-6 PM at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a funeral service to follow at 6 PM.   Russ will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Loaves and Fishes in Appleton in honor of Russ.

Russ’ family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses, doctors, and other staff at Compassus Hospice and St. Elizabeth Hospital for their care and compassion shown to Russ during his times of need.  

It’s not goodbye, it’s ‘see you later’.