Russell Wayne "Red" Salzwedel, age 77, of Columbus, Wisconsin died on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at home after a twelve year long journey with Alzheimer's disease. Russell was born on Easter Sunday, March 26, 1932, in Columbus, Wisconsin, the son of Herbert and Mabel (Hemling) Salzwedel.

Russ graduated from Columbus High School, Class of 1951, where he was a member of the school's first football championship team of the then Little Ten Conference. Russ excelled at football and track. After graduation, Russ went to Milwaukee Area Technical College and graduated as a barber. He worked in Ripon, Wisconsin for three years while serving his apprenticeship. He then went to work in Madison at the State Street College Barber Shop. In 1958, Russ purchased his own barbershop on Ludington Street in Columbus, which he operated until the mid-70's. After the long hair fad hit Wisconsin, Russ secured employment at American Packaging Corporation until his retirement at age 65.

Russell married Judith H. Sands on June 22, 1957 at Green Bay, Wisconsin. They began their married life in Madison and moved to Columbus when he started his own barbershop. Russ and Judy were blessed with four children within five years.

Russ was a member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Columbus. Russ loved the outdoors, especially being at their cottage, was an avid sportsman – hunting, rifle club, and fishing, and followed the Green Bay Packers. He loved his family, pet dogs, and lived for his grandchildren.

Russ is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy; children, Bruce (Mary) Salzwedel of Columbus, Pamela (Bruce) Zander of Columbus, Laurie (Michael) Erdmann of Plymouth, Mark (Kathy) Salzwedel of Sun Prairie; 11 grandchildren; Ryan Zander, Gabrielle (fiancé Ryan Falkner) Zander, Peter Zander, Daniel Salzwedel, Ronald Salzwedel, Sarah Erdmann, Nicole Erdmann, Brett Erdmann, Hannah Salzwedel, Madelyn Salzwedel, and Isabelle Salzwedel; brother, Gerald "Jiggy" (Betty) Salzwedel; sisters, Marlene Schubring, Fayann (Joe) Couchenour, and Dorothy Eberle; many relatives and friends.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert & Mabel Salzwedel, his stepmother, Grace Dieckhoff; his in-laws, Ed & Lucille Sands; brothers Gordon, Merlin, Herbert Jr. "Onion", Roger; sister-in-laws Marion, Patricia, and Doreen; niece Lisa and a nephew Calvin.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Jerome's Catholic Church, 1550 Farnham St. in Columbus with Fr. Bruce Hennington officiating. A Memorial Gathering will also be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 from 4:30 p.m. until the time of Mass at the Church. Private Family inurnment will take place at St. Jerome's Catholic Cemetery.
In honor of Russ, please wear something "Red" to the funeral.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jerome's Endowment Fund, Apostolate to the Handicapped – PO Box 443, Monroe, WI 53566, or the Columbus High School for a new electronic sign.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Greg Motl for his compassionate understanding; Dr. Sam Poser, for his care, Columbia County Sheriff's Department – Project Lifesaver, and Suzi, Mike, Marilyn & Lois from Home Health United & Hospice for the support we needed at the end. Finally, a special thank you to the friends, co-workers, and neighbors that have been there with encouraging words, prayers, and heartfelt support – we could not have done it without you!

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.