Russell W. Wegwerth, age 60, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at his home in Maplewood, MN. A proud, retired member of the Pipefitters Local 455, Russ was a gentle soul with a kind, generous heart.
A lover of wildlife and the outdoors, Russ would often spend his free time under the sun. Whether that meant taking meticulous care of his lawn, teaching his daughter Justine about gardening, or watching the birds flock to his feeder, he truly found joy being outside in the fresh air.
He loved dogs, cooking outside the recipe instructions, and Reese’s peanut butter cups. Russ had a passion for growing pumpkins and looked forward to having no less than 8 large pumpkins take over his front step every Halloween. You could always find fresh flowers in his home, and his creativity blossomed as he began painting in recent years. He was a quiet man, but a great listener. He always gave others the benefit of the doubt and put the needs of everyone else before his own. He had an infectious smile and his laugh was contagious and unforgettable.
Russ was tirelessly committed to his work, family, and serving the people around him. Growing up with three younger sisters who he adored, he quickly understood and cherished the unique bonds of a family. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Russ and Jana settled down in Lake Elmo and started a family (Jordan & Justine). In 2016, he was delighted to become a Grandpa and it was apparent that he loved both granddaughters fiercely, as he lit up the moment he saw them. Above all else, family meant the world to Russ, and his family thought the world of him.
Russ enjoyed his career as a pipefitter. He was very knowledgeable and talented at his craft, but was incredibly humble and shied away from praise. He worked hard all his life and made plenty of sacrifices in the hopes of offering his family more opportunities. At his core, he was a thoughtful, compassionate, and genuine family man, who is already missed beyond words.
Preceded in death by mother-in-law Virginia “Ginger”Johnson; grandmothers Eileen “Honey” Thompson and “Bee”; grandfather “Art”. Survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Jana; children Jordan (Becky) and Justine; grandchildren Morgan and Norah; parents Wayne and Joanne; siblings Julie (Mark) Sellner, Janice (Daryl) Rick, and Dianne (Jim) Falteisek; many extended family members and friends. A caring, selfless husband, dad, and grandpa. He will be remembered but sorely missed.
Visitation Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 5-7:30 PM at SANDBERG FUNERAL HOME, 2593 E. 7th Ave., North St. Paul, MN 55109, immediately followed by a memorial service.