Russell Lee Diedrich

Russell L. Diedrich of Appleton, age 38, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021.

Russ was born on August 24, 1982 in Neenah, to Kim and Randy Diedrich. He grew up in Neenah-Menasha and throughout his early years enjoyed his family, school, teachers, and many friends. 

Russ had natural talent as an artist and musician; he wrote stories, poems, and songs that touched your heart. He had a gift for teaching others. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball, and liked to remember the time when he hit a triple homerun wearing his lucky number 8 jersey. He was an avid outdoorsman and environmental advocate. He had a great passion for travel, visiting Jamaica, Ireland, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Greece, Laos, and Vietnam. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially loved being with his baby daughter, Demi.  His many interests include playing his guitars, movies, culinary delights and cooking his favorite foods (the hotter the better), riding his Harley, marksmanship, and reading.  

Russ graduated from Neenah High School in 2001. He then went on to UW-Oshkosh to earn his Bachelor's of Science (BS) English Language and Literature/Letters degree and was on the Dean's List. He was a member of the fraternity of Sigma Pi. Russ then went on to obtain his Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Energy and Environmental Engineering Technology in 2013 at FVTC, and in 2015 completed courses at UW-Marquette College of Engineering, and Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Assn.

Russ was employed with Reynolds Consumer Products. Previously, he worked as a Supervisor at Fox Valley Fiber, Equipment Manager at Paper Transport, Assistant Team Leader at Fox River Fiber Company, Team Leader at FVTC Fabrication Laboratory, and as a Program Assistant for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley.    

Russ was an inspirational force for creativity and good, he made friends wherever he went. He was wonderful with children. He was a loving father, son, brother, and uncle. We are heartbroken over our great loss of Russ passing, and are keeping his memories alive within us until we meet again. He will be waiting for us in Heaven and causing a little fun commotion. He will forever be loved and missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by a daughter, Demi; his mother, Kim Lausman Diedrich; a brother, Lucas (Melissa) Diedrich; sister, Katrina (Kway) Lassiter; nieces and nephews; Grace, Ben, Nathan, Isiah, Mia, and Lydia; significant other, Sarah Hendzel; and his faithful dog Indigo.

He was preceded in death by his father, Randall Diedrich; paternal grandparents, Mabel & Kenneth Diedrich; maternal grandparents Margaret and Ken Lausman; and great-grandmother Carolyn Selig.

A celebration of Russell’s life will be held, Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm at Valley Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell Lee Diedrich, please visit our floral store.