Russell "Butch" Lancaster

Russell, or known as Butch by his Family and Friends or as just Russ by many, passed away from a heart attack on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, WI. Russell was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer on 11/28/2022 and had just started chemotherapy two days before his death. He wanted time-whatever he could get - to help his Family make memories. Unfortunately, that Time wasn’t ours to have. Russell I. “Butch” Lancaster was born August 23, 1953, to Russell I. and Dorothy M. Lancaster in Platteville, WI. Butch, as he was named by his sister Jeanne, was raised in Platteville WI with his siblings, Jeanne, Connie, Bruce, Karen, and Molly. Russell graduated from Platteville High School – Class of 1972. Immediately after high school graduation he enlisted in the US Army. He spent his Army career in Germany as a Viet Nam Era Veteran from 1972-1975 when he was honorably discharged.

Russell returned to Platteville and worked at Northern Engraving in Lansing Iowa as Maintenance person of their plant from 1975-1978. He moved to Cashton, WI in 1978 and worked for Charlie Brothers in La Crescent, MN before choosing to further his education. Russell graduated from Western Technical College in La Crosse, WI on May 1984 from the HVAC/Refrigeration Associate Program. He was employed at various HVAC companies in the La Crosse and Vernon County area in a career that spanned 37 years. Winona Heating and Vent, Cargill, Cenex, Paul’s, Master Metals and Flock HVACS in addition to Trane and his own HVAC business. He also had a business installing and maintaining dairy pipelines in the Vernon County area. There really was not anything Russell wouldn’t try – and was the “go to” Guy in every job- hard working, dedicated and helpful to anyone he met. He was a talented wood worker who could create anything - from furniture for his children to tables and shelves for Family. Given an idea he would run with it creating beautiful pieces with love. Russell lived life to the fullest- each and every day. He was dedicated to his Family and there were always the hunting trips - from the Necedah woods and over the years with his boys and Grandchildren - the fishing trips to Lake Arbutus, the Mississippi or a trout stream and his hobbies of gardening and flowers. He loved to grow and to can everything from corn and green beans to gladiolas and pumpkins- always pumpkins for his Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews, and any child that needed a pumpkin. Fall would find him canning the fruits of the garden- with his wife- 400 quarts I believe this fall. He never arrived to visit without a box of “goodies”- his Family never knew what would be in the box- the best dill pickles in the world, sauerkraut to make your eyes roll, his concocted veggie mix he called “hash”, fruits, and jams- you name it. He shared his bounties with everyone he knew- a very generous man. He helped anyone that asked -no questions and usually a “catch me later” in payment. There were annual “Amish Flower Shopping” trips with his Family- Sisters, Jim and daughter in law Stefanie and Grandchildren singing (Christmas songs in April) behind him in the truck- that still makes our heart smile. He was a prankster and loved thinking up something new to torment and tease.

Russell married Peggy Strait Marx on June 8, 1999. Together they raised their blended family, Jessica (Bo) Copeland of Glendale, AZ, Charlie (Stefanie) Lancaster of Memphis, NE, Chris (Becca) Lancaster of LaFarge, WI and step-sons BJ (Trudy) and Dusty (Nicky) Marx. Russell had seven grandchildren- Brice and Ethan Milhone, Libby Ann, Eva, Nolan, Abalene, and Tiny (Austin) Lancaster and five step-Grandchildren Shortcake (Jara) Mickey (Miguel),Everest,Delphia and Gracie Marx- all of which adored and loved by their Grandpa Kitty or Papa. He was just blessed with a Great-Granddaughter Alleah Grace and was so excited to meet her. His freezer and goodie drawer was always stocked with ‘millions” of popsicles and candy. Nothing was ever “off limits” at Papas!! Russell supported his fellow Veterans in Chaseburg, Westby and Viroqua sites and dedicated his life to Family, Friends and Country. Our world will never be the same without his presence but will always be warm with the memories he gave us.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Jeffery; his brother, Bruce and wife Shelly; his sister, Karen; brother in law Roger Wallenhorst; nephews, Jonathan White and Steven Wallenhorst; and stepson, Michael Marx and step-granddaughter Scarlet Marx. He is survived by his immediate Family and Sisters Jeanne (Jim) Dawson, Connie (Bruce) White and Molly Wallenhorst and many nieces and nephews.

Russell will be celebrated with a service at the La Farge Free Methodist Church in LaFarge, WI on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Noon. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Full military honors will follow the service and a luncheon will be provided following the ceremony. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Butch's family.

203 N. State St.

La Farge, WI 54639

608-625-4244