Russell Schuetz

On Sunday, March 2, 2014, surrounded by his family, Russell Herman Schuetz, 71, passed away at his Ignacio, CO, home from complications related to Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in the Town of Middleton, WI, on March 4, 1942, to Elmore and Viola Schuetz, he grew up in and around the Madison area helping his parents on the farm and eventually enrolling in a four-year carpet installation apprenticeship program. Russ volunteered for a wide variety of groups including ski patrol organizations, Southern Kettle Moraine State Park in Wisconsin, Colorado’s Four Corners Backcountry Horsemen and the National Forest Service in Colorado. He was one of the first ski patrol members in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to patrol on a snowboard. Russ thoroughly enjoyed trail riding and packing on his horses. He trained horses throughout his life, packed supplies for several volunteer groups and was always willing to offer his expertise and advice to other horse enthusiasts. In addition, he trained lots of dogs - for hunting, service, tricks and obedience - and parrots and other birds. He raised and showed pigeons. He was an avid hunter and trapper for many years, a gun hunter in his early life before transitioning 40 years ago to the bow and arrow. It was during a hunting trip early in his life when he fell in love with the mountains of Colorado. In 2004, he realized a lifelong dream when he and Kathy moved to Colorado, surrounded by mountains and happy to tell everyone he could see three different mountain ranges from nearly every window in their new home. His artistic talents blossomed in Colorado where he carved and painted the wildlife and nature he loved. He also designed and created his own stained glass art. He was an excellent carpenter, remodeling his homes, building work sheds and tinkering on numerous projects, always content when he was working with his hands. Russ worked with his identical twin brother, Ron, every day of his professional life at Seybold Floor Covering in Madison - Russ as an installer and Ron as the general manager. Russ also apprenticed his son Steve for many years. Ron passed away on May 23, 2012, from complications related to Alzheimers. Lloyd Schuetz and Marion Ganser, Russ’s older brother and sister, preceded him in death. His family includes his wife, Kathy Schuetz, his sister, Carol Leeder, his children Steve (Deb) Schuetz, Gary (Jen) Schuetz, Jeff Dreger and Stephanie Smith and nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers and other memorials, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated. Visit alz.org for more information.