Russell E. "Russ" Metzger

Russell E. "Russ" Metzger, 72, of Wapakoneta, died 4:50 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, with his family at his side. He was born September 1, 1953, in Lima, the son of Dean B. and Angela (Owens) Metzger, who preceded him in death. On August 22, 1978, he married Polly A. Wireman, and she survives.
Other survivors include, 3 children, Jessica E. (Robert) Holbrook, Wapakoneta, Bradley J. Metzger, Wapakoneta, Marcy A. Metzger, Wapakoneta; grandchildren, Ashley, Zarah, Taeler, Dylan, Audrey; 2 great grandchildren, Tatum. Talia, and 1 on the way; siblings, Barb (Barry) Spicer, Wapakoneta, Betty Hertenstein, Wapakoneta, Dave Metzger, Wapakoneta.
He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Richard.
Russ worked at Fisher Cheese Co., and retired from Midwest Guardian, both of Wapakoneta. He was a 1972 graduate of the Wapakoneta High School. Russ enjoyed watching football, especially the Wapakoneta Redskins, The Ohio State University Buckeyes, and the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and playing Pacman.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, with Pastor Josh Tissot officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025, and 9:30-10:30 a.m., Friday at the funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Assn. or the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.