RUSSELL MEARTZ

Russell C. Meartz, age of 92 of Neenah, passed away early November 13, 2015 at Cherry Meadows. He was born on November 1, 1923 to Carl C. and Martha W. (Fuerst) Meartz in Appleton, WI and was a 1941 graduate of Appleton West High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps the day after World War II started. Russ was trained at Barksdale, LA and later at Santa Monica, CA as a flight engineer on B-25's, then on to B-26's at McDill Field and Battlecreek, MI. He was in the 587 Squadron 394 Bomb Group and flew 65 missions over Europe. The Lord brought him through a mid-air collision on his 10th mission, but was shot down on his 40th mission. He was still able to complete 25 more missions. He arrived back in the states Christmas 1944. During his time in the service, Russ received the Distinguished Cross with oak leaf cluster, air metal with two silver and two bronze leaf clusters, as well as other metals with the Europe Theater 4 with battle stars. He discharged in 1945 and was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Werner on May 4, 1946 at St. Matthew Church in Appleton. She was married in a dress made from the parachute that saved his life. His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and others were also baptized in a gown made from the same parachute. Throughout the years, Russ spent a great amount of time at the family cottage on Kelly Lake enjoying time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Neenah, and had a passion for anything and everything to do with trains. Russ was a very joyous man with a great sense of humor that will be missed. Russ is survived by his children: Paul (Sue Ann) Meartz, Park Rapids, MN; Sue (friend John Van Oudenhoven) Jurgenson, Larsen; Sally (Allan) Blazek, Kelly Lake; grandchildren: Kate (Garrett) Bladow; Andrew Meartz; Joe (Lindsey) Jurgenson; Jeff Jurgenson; Angela (Chad) Rabas and Sheila (Randy) Fisher; great-grandchildren: Zoe and Jeremiah Meartz; Chaela and Adrena Rabas; Trevor and Molly Fisher; and Lydia Jurgenson. He is further survived by his siblings: Carol Wilson and Gale (Marion) Meartz; and sister-in-law, Jan Werner. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Geraldine "Jackie;" sister, Carmen (Norman) Pope; brother-in-law, David Werner; and son-in-law, Peter Jurgenson. A funeral service for Russ will be held at 11:00 A.M., November 18, 2015 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home, Rev. Catherine A.K. Mode officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Entombment will be with Jackie at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Russ' name.