Russ was born May 26, 1946 in Michigan City, Indiana to James and June Knoth. He married Rose Marie Weller June 12, 1970.

Survived by his wife and their two children: Renee (Juan) Del Rios and Robert (Dawn Rae) Knoth; three grandsons; Dallas Stolowski, Max Knoth and Jacek Del Rios; and three great-granddaughters: Leah, Natalie and Evelynn.

Also survived by his sister Ruth Ann (Lloyd) Samplawski, and sisters-and-brothers-in-law Helen Mathes, Robert (Mary) Weller, Clarence (Barb) Weller, Arthur (Wanda) Weller, Michael (Peggy) Weller, and Francis (Judith) Weller. Also by many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Arnold and Hildegard Weller, and two brothers-in-law: Father André Weller and Karl Mathes.

Russ graduated from Lakeland College in Sheboygan, then attended Eden Seminary in St. Louis which led to his ordination as a minister in the United Church of Christ. It was at seminary that Russ met his wife of fifty-five years.

He served the United Church of Christ in Bourbon, Indiana, West Bend, Osseo and Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. It was his last church, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, that he spent twenty-six and a half years doing what he loved to do, leading worship services, and officiating at many baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Russ loved volunteering for the Menomonee Falls Police Department which he did for thirty-five years, enjoying ride-alongs with the police on duty, giving them a listening ear, occasionally performing their weddings, baptizing their babies, and helping them in their final moments. He also volunteered for the Menomonee Falls and Germantown Fire Department, living every little boy's dream of riding in the fire truck.

Anyone who knows Russ knows that he had two other interests. One was model railroading. He spent many hours building and running his railroad, enjoying constructing his buildings from scratch, and making his own scenery, including his own trees. His other love was the study of history, spending many hours reading and listening to lectures.

Our family wishes to thank the staff at DaVita Dialysis center for their compassion over the last two and a half years. Russ appreciated their care. Also thank you to the staff at Horizon's Hospice. The last eleven days were made more comfortable because of you.

Funeral Services will be at 2 PM on Sunday November 23, 2025 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ where Russ was Pastor Emeritus: N89 W16858 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to charities of Russ's choice: MFPD Sunshine Fund or St. Paul's Memorial Fund.