William "Russ" Isenberger

Obituary:

William Russell “Russ” Isenberger, 82, of Stanley, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born in Washington to the late Paul and Lois (Manley) Isenberger. Russ grew up near Stanley and graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School. On January 8, 1993, he married Ruth Ann Rixford-Natzke, who brought renewed joy, love, and happiness to his life. He worked at Blue Moon Cheese Factory in Thorp for 29 years.

Russ enjoyed time with his family, grandchildren & great grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time on the property that he called home for many years before moving back into Stanley. Whether it was hunting, cutting fire wood, mowing the trails, or walking around in the woods, “The Land” was something he was VERY proud of. He also loved spending time in the mountains in Colorado, as he would go elk hunting with his best friend Roger, or sitting on a river bank fishing for suckers or cat fishing.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, his 2 sons, Russ (Tina) Isenberger and Patrick (Brenda) Isenberger, his stepsons, Greg (Laurie) Natzke, Mark (Tammy) Natzke, Tim (Janeen) Natzke, Randy and Kevin Natzke, 19 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bonna Bergman, and his brothers, David “Al”, Paul “Frank”, and Eugene Edward Isenberger.

A private family graveside service will be held at East Side Cemetery-Stanley with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.