Sigler, Russell Loy
Russ passed away on January 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born on January 23, 1917, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to Jack and Mary Sigler. He is survived by his six children: Lanny (Becky), Ann (John), Jack (Carey), Susie, Richard, and Bill; grandchildren: Mark, Chris, Deana, Jessica, Kristen, Sean, Kelly, and Jamie; and 11 great-grandchildren. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jomax, spouses Elaine and Dort. After graduating from University of Oklahoma with a BS in engineering, Russ enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served throughout the Pacific Theatre for the entire duration of WWII, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Among other citations, he was awarded the Legion of Merit. Upon return, he studied the "new technology" of air conditioning with the man who invented it, Dr. Willis Carrier, in Syracuse, New York. After working for Carrier, he worked as a contractor then opened his own distributorship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew his business from twelve employees to 650, with branches in six states. At the time of his passing, he was still actively involved in his business. Russ, the eternal optimist, loved life, people and ideas. He was innovative, entrepreneurial, patriotic, humorous, enthusiastic, caring and generous. He touched the lives of many and was an inspiration to all. He said his best accomplishment was raising six kids who liked each other. There will be a private service, but condolences and anecdotes are welcomed in his online guestbook at http://www.hansenmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Honor Flight Arizona at http://honorflightaz.org/.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 11 to Jan. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Sigler

Sponsored by Hansen Mortuary Chapel - Phoenix.

16 Entries

February 23, 2017

My ex-husband, Robert Kotzebue, Jr., and his mother and father, Mary Lou and Robert Kotzebue, Sr., went on many, many trips with Russ and Dort, plus other Carrier Distributors, and people that worked for Carrier. My father-in-law, Robert, Sr., was a Carrier distributor in San Antonio, Texas, and South Texas for many years.

I traveled to Phoenix and stayed with Russ and Dort, went by train from Phoenix to Matzalan, Mexico with Dort to bring car back to Phoenix. Have many, many fond memories of the fun we had. Stayed in Matzalan with Dort , golf tournaments Carrier provided, etc.

Miss them both.

Helen Kotzebue

Elly Marcucci

February 8, 2017

Russ was a strong, gentle, unquestioning friend, an example for every man. He leaves a huge gap to fill.

Sheila Badgley

January 19, 2017

Russ Sigler was a wonderful person. I worked for his company for 6 years. He was always so kind and caring to his employees. He lived a wonderful life and built and empire on his business. You are in the light with Dort now. God bless his wonderful family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Tony McDonald

January 16, 2017

Truly, Russ was a shining member of our Greatest Generation. What a life he lived - grew up in modest circumstances through the Depression, served in WWII, worked with Willis Carrier, founded and built a great company, raised a great family and gave a legacy to his children, his country, and his industry. I am sorry that I only met Russ during the last year of his life, but am glad that I did not miss him. On my first visit to the Sigler office in Phoenix I saw the uniform on the wall, found that Russ was in the office and said I have to meet him. As a vet myself I wanted to meet and honor him - and hear some war stories. Thankfully I was able to meet him that day and on other days and enjoy his delightful company (and war stories). Its not often you meet a guy who can tell you what he was thinking on the morning of December 7, 1941, and that he was uncertain about his next move. Well, the next move came to him that morning and he met its challenges, and kept meeting them to build a life worth of emulation.

God bless you Russ and thanks for your inspiration. May peace be on your family and loved ones as they celebrate your life.

January 13, 2017

Russ Sigler gave me my opportunity in the HVAC industry. He hired me in the late 70's and I worked for his company for 7 years and remained in the industry for 38 years. His company gave me and many others the ability and support to excell in the business he loved. Thank you Russ. Always the businessman and gentleman to everyone. You will be missed.

God bless,
Doug Behr

Jason Martin

January 12, 2017

Russ has influenced so many and will truly be missed. I will always cherish our times together visiting customers and employees. Thank you for all that you have done and all you have touched

Mathew Manuel

January 12, 2017

The loss of a great man does not come easy. Russ was one of the nicest men to run a business. I will always remember meeting Russ when I became a new employee at Sigler and Reeves a few years back. Great man that lived a great life. You will be missed my friend.

May you Rest in Peace.

Maximillian Perez

January 12, 2017

Thank full I had the opportunity to meet Russ, he was an original none like him, in the short time I knew him he always had that time to stop and talk with you asking several questions but mostly if you were ok was there anything you needed with that Gleam in his eye, he had a fire very few have. May his Legacy live on.
R.I.P

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Kenley Kyle

January 12, 2017

I remember Russ attending one of my first presentations fresh out of college and I still incorporate some of the points he made then in my presentation routine today. I have great memories of the time we shared and the opportunities he presented to me as a newbie out of Carrier training in Syracuse. I am very thankful that our paths connected and I hope the family will remain close, indefinitely. May they continue to share Russ' unselfish spirit as well as his inspirational character, which he shared with so many. Rest in peace my friend.

Andrea Nease

January 12, 2017

Russ was the most amazing person I have ever met. He was always approachable and always interested in what you had to say. I am a very proud employee of Siglers and I will miss Russ' eternal smile and his hugs. God bless.

January 11, 2017

Sorry to Russ's family. We had a good working relationship. He was credit to the profession. Gods Speed. Bob Willcoxson, Lowry,Sorensen,Willcoxson Engineers

Bob Willcoxson

Sent Flowers

John Clark

January 11, 2017

As nice a man as you would ever meet. Have a safe journey and Rest In Peace my friend.

Benny & Cindy Williams

January 11, 2017

My husband Benny worked for Mr. Sigler @ Sigler and Reeves in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993. Benny remembers him being a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace!

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