Russell Edward Aerts

Russell E. Aerts, age 87, of Wrightstown WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday November 18, 2025 at Prairie Home Assisted Living in Menasha, WI. Russ never met a stranger. Everyone was just a friend he hadn’t yet met.

Russ was born on Oct 24, 1938 in Wrightstown, WI, son of Elzear and Nettie (Hendricks) Aerts. He attended Wrightstown High School, where he excelled in many different sports and his love for the Wrightstown Tigers was born. Russ met Joan Feldkamp in high school and according to stories told, he had a bit of a chase on his hands because Joan was two years ahead of Russ in school. The chase was a success and they were married April 30, 1960 at St. Clare Catholic Church – St. Paul Parish in Wrightstown, WI.

Russ proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He loved wearing his Navy baseball cap and never hesitated to approach other veterans to chat about their service. After serving, Russ worked many different jobs to support his family until he started his own business, Aerts Oil Co. Russ loved driving the oil truck and delivering fuel to his loyal customers. There was rarely a holiday in which the phone wouldn’t ring and someone was in need of fuel for their home or farm equipment. Russ answered the call each and every time with a smile on his face, often allowing time to visit with older customers over coffee and cookies.

Russ & Joan had a long and loving marriage. When asked about the secret ingredient to such a successful relationship, Russ always responded with one word: laughter. Russ & Joan had a lot of fun together biking around town, visiting their cottage in Mountain WI, going for drives out in the country, and cooking together. It didn’t really matter what they were doing, their interactions always included laughter. Over the years, they became two parts of one whole. Russ & Joan raised six kids and lived in the same house throughout their entire marriage. Russ loved his family more than anything else in this world. Through his example, Russ taught his kids a strong work ethic, kindness for others, lending a helping hand, and how a smile can go a long way. Russ’ joy expanded when he became a grandpa and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was always up for an adventure that included rides on his scooter, picking strawberries in his garden, hunting for golf balls in ditches across from Mid Vallee, or driving to McDonald’s for a strawberry shake.

Russ did everything with joy and he truly loved his life! Russ drove school bus for 45 years and told bus stories to anyone who stood still. He was an avid golfer, tended to his garden, was a volunteer firefighter, coached his boys in football, and attended many Packer games. Russ was a staple member of St. Paul Parish in Wrightstown, answering the call to volunteer in whatever capacity was needed. Russ’ faith was the cornerstone of his life and he led by example, teaching his family the importance of putting God first.

Russ was loved by many. He was quick to tease and lived for making people laugh. When you told Russ that you would see him later, he responded “thanks for the warning”. It was a term of endearment to be called a “bushelhead” or a “daffodil”. This kind of joy and friendliness can be rare and Russ will leave a lasting mark on the community of Wrightstown. Russ’ family will forever be grateful for the example he set for nurturing a lasting marriage, offering an easy smile, extending a helping hand, and showing love unconditionally.

Russ is survived by his six children: Joe (Tami) Aerts, Steve (Joyce) Aerts, Russ (Lynda) Aerts, Larry (Sheila) Aerts, Maria (Scott) Hanstedt, and Teresa (Larry) Whitt; 11 grandchildren Janet (Wallace) Bandeff, Jim (Sarah) Aerts, Peter (Alyson) Aerts, Kellie (Ashton) Novy, Kaitlyn and Cole Aerts, Grace Aerts, Luke and Anna Hanstedt, and Bryce and Greta Whitt; five great-grandchildren Leah Bandeff, Sebastian, Felix, Margaret Aerts, and Morgan Novy; three brothers Don Aerts, Roger Aerts, and Tom (Ann) Aerts; 3 sisters, Yvonne Cumbers, Judy (Lenny) Vickman, and Janice Daniels; one sister-in-law Ruth Aerts; three sisters-in-law Mary Feldkamp, Helen Evers, Theresa Ison.

Besides his parents, Russ is preceded in death by his loving wife Joan, two grandchildren Mary Jo Aerts and Nick Aerts; one great grandson Oliver Bandeff; daughter-in-law Nancy Aerts; brother Dick Aerts; brothers and sisters-in-law Rosie Aerts, Ken Cumbers, Mary Aerts, and Clarence Daniels; along with several brothers and sisters-in-law on Joan’s side of the family who Russ loved very much.

Family and friends may gather on Friday November 21, 2025 at St. Clare Catholic Church – St. Paul Site 437 Main St. Wrightstown, WI 54180. Visitation will be held from 9:30am to 11:45am with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12 noon with Fr. Brian Wideman presiding. Burial will be in St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Wrightstown, WI. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements.

Russ’ family would like to extend enormous gratitude to the caregivers at Prairie Home Assisted Living in Menasha and the wonderful team through St. Croix Hospice. Your love for Dad was evident throughout each interaction. You made him feel at home, warmed up over a million cups of coffee, laughed along with him, appropriately rolled your eyes when he called you a bushelhead, and took amazing care of his needs. The care and compassion you provided to Dad will forever be cherished by our family.