Louis A. Russo
On Sunday June 26, 2016, Louis Anthony Russo, surrounded by the family he loved, left us. Louie is a resident of Menomonie, Wisconsin, where he recently moved from Carson City Nevada.
Louie was born in San Francisco, CA on May 3, 1958, the youngest child of Nicholas and Maxine Russo. Soon after Louie was born the family moved to Lake Tahoe and then to Sparks, Nevada, eventually settling in Oakland, California. The family later moved back to Nevada where Louie graduated from Carson City High School. Shortly after high school Louie joined the US Navy where he proudly served for twelve years. His first duty station was aboard the USS Gallant, a Navy Minesweeper at Treasure Island, CA. The ship’s motto “Iron men on wooden ships” was very appropriate for Louie. He then served a shore duty tour in Perth, Australia, where he learned to “swim with the sharks.” During the first Gulf War Louie served aboard the USS Reuben James, a Guided Missile Frigate, in the Persian Gulf with port calls in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. The Navy then assigned him to hazardous duty as Chief Engineer on ocean going tugs at the Concord Naval Weapons Station in CA, guiding ammunition ships in and out of San Francisco Bay. Louie was very proud of his military service and a staunch supporter of our Veterans and our Flag.
After leaving the Navy Louie joined the US Merchant Marine, continuing his maritime career. This time he sailed in the Northern Pacific and the Mediterranean, visiting ports in Alaska, Spain, Greece and Italy.
When Louie was diagnosed with diabetes he could no longer sail the oceans but his traveling lifestyle was not over. He became a long haul trucker, crisscrossing the nation in an 18 wheeler. He has traveled to every state in our country. He settled in Menomonie, WI a few years ago where he spent the summers exploring the state on the Harley that he loved, and without realizing it, making many wonderful friends along the way. Louie will be missed more than he could ever have known.
He is survived by five brothers and sisters; Jim Bonfield, Cathy Gogna, Nick Russo, Fred Russo, Tracey Keith, and many nieces and nephews.
Louie will be interred at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Friday July 22, 2016, with full military honors. The service is scheduled for 12:45 pm. (meet at assembly area 4 at 12:30).
There will also be a memorial celebration at Jakes Supper Club to dedicate a commemorative bench and flagpole in Louie's honor and to all Veterans. A date and time will be available as plans are finalized.