Russell (Russ) William Allen

Russell (Russ) William Allen passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 18, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born on August 28, 1932, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Russ grew up on the northside of La Crosse. He was a “northsider” all his life and was proud of it.

In seventh grade, Russ transferred to St. James grade school where he met the love of his life, Rosemary (Rosie) Riniker, on the first day of school. She said he stood out looking dapper in his brown fingertip dress coat. She knew at that moment he was something special. They officially began dating when she was a senior and he was a junior at Aquinas High School and were married on May 28, 1955. They settled on the northside of La Crosse where together they raised their five children. Their love story lasted over 71 years.

After graduating from high school, at the age of 17, Russ volunteered for the Navy during the Korean War. He served his country aboard the U.S.S. White River, L.S.M.R. 536 for four years where he worked in the Signal Corps. After his service, Russ was employed at Trane company where he started in the shop. After 40 years, he retired from Trane/Altec as a Quality Control Manager.

Russ believed in higher education and attended night school at WWTC where he graduated with highest honors with an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering. Russ was known for having the highest tuition reimbursement budget at Trane/Altec for his employees in order to provide them with the knowledge they needed to succeed in their careers. He was a mentor to many.

After Russ retired from a successful career, he and Rosie enjoyed traveling together to visit their children and grandchildren which usually included cheering enthusiastically at their events. Their travels also included annually attending Russ’s Navy reunions into the 2000s. He also found his artistic side by creating painted wood crafts alongside his wife and daughter, Michelle, where he sold his wares at craft shows for several years. They also loved attending music concerts, dancing, family reunions and playing euchre.

Russ was also dedicated to his Catholic faith and the church he grew up in and still attended. He was selected for the St. James Man of the Year, elected multiple times to the parish council and school board, and was a member of the Men’s Club. Through the years he led small group bible studies, lectored and ushered. Parishioners were always greeted with his warm smile when he ushered and heard his vibrant voice when lectoring.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary Allen, and his children: Michael Allen (Willette), Michelle Berndt (Kim), Jon Allen (Jarilyn), Dan Allen (Lynne Weigand), and Jane Nettz (Eric); along with seven grandchildren: Cody (Chanda), Elias, Andrew (Shari), Kamaile (Cody), Kyle (Amanda), Connor (Carter), and Dakota; and seven great-grandchildren: Magnolia, Phineas, Bella, Emet, Epiphany, Brody and Briggs.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Robert Allen; his in-laws, Joseph and Emma Riniker; his brothers, Charles and Grant; and his sisters, Roberta Dickson and Leatrice Zuleger.

Russ will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, humor, encouragement, and positive attitude shown to all he met. Also, for his unwavering love and support for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

A special thanks to the VA, BrightStar, Comfort Keepers, Benedictine Manor Rehabilitation Center, and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, August 22, 2026, at St. James the Less Catholic Church,1032 Caledonia Street, La Crosse, WI. Family and friends may gather for a visitation from 9:00AM until the time of mass. Entombment will take place privately.

Please visit BlaschkeSchneider.com for more information.