Russell E. Kaskowski

Russell Kaskowski was peacefully reunited with his beloved wife of 56 years, Joann Kaskowski on May 5, 2025 at the age of 90 years old. Loving father of Rusty (Barb), Kathleen (Paul) Mandella, Steven (the late Karen), Sharon, Kristine (Bill) Eder and Janice. Cherished grandpa of Kurtis, Stevie Ray (Rainy), Stephanie, Paul (Amanda), Nicholas, Rachel, Morgan, Vincent, Cheyann (Jake), and Austin (Talley). Dearest great-grandpa to Mia (angel in heaven), Maya, Eli and Nora. Beloved brother of Richard Kass, brother-in-law to Alan Zehm, Larry Vandezande, Joe (Vicki) Terhardt, and John Terhardt. Wonderful friend to family friends Shirley Ramazini, Donna Mazola, Josie Sajdak and Mary Gibbons. Special cousin to Christine Walczak. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Russ was born on September 13th, 1934 to Edward and Mary Kaskowski in Milwaukee, WI, one of 8 children. He graduated from South Division High School where he met the love of his life Joann. Russ worked at Cutler Hammer and then for Milwaukee Public Schools first as a grounds keeper and finished his career as lead custodial engineer at Boys Tech and then Pleasant View, where he retired at age 72. Russ needed something to do in retirement, so he became a toner delivery driver for Toner Sales for a few years. Russ was known for his witty and wonderful sense of humor and liked to make everyone laugh and smile. He would sometimes put on silly glasses, or hats or comb his hair funny to get a laugh all while remaining straight faced. Sometimes it was hard to tell if he was joking or being serious, especially if you didn’t know him. One of his favorite phrases was, “If you can make at least one person smile each day, you have done your job”. Russ loved singing especially along to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the Rat Pack. Although he liked other music, his love was big band and crooners. Russ was very humble and did not need or want material things. Instead, he believed wealth was achieved by having meaningful relationships, and cherished his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Russ grew up during the era where you didn’t throw things away, you fixed them. He was a self-taught auto mechanic, plumber, electrician, TV repair and appliance repair man. After work and on weekends you could find him tinkering in the basement fixing things. Russ lived a full life which included traveling to many places with Joann and family, including Hawaii, Mexico, St. Thomas, Aruba, St Martin, Florida, California and Colorado. Russ also enjoyed going to the yearly EAA Fly-In in Osh Kosh WI with his sons and grandchildren. In his later life, Russ traveled to Texas with his oldest son Rusty to see his grandson Austin race go-karts and to see Nascar races. Russ also enjoyed his daily car rides down to South Shore Park, Grant Park - and every other park in the area, with occasional stops at a beer garden to enjoy an ice cold Leinkugel’s. These daily excursions were with his care-taker daughter, Janice and his beloved canine companions Baxter (over the rainbow bridge) and now, Caspian, both Bernese Mountain dogs. Those three also took a road trip in 2022 to Texas to visit his daughter Kris and family at Christmas and also to Florida this past July to visit his granddaughter Cheyann and her fiancé Jake. On a warm day, you could often find Russ sitting outside listening and whistling along with the birds, and watching the butterflies/wildlife, while enjoying a cigar. There’s so much we could mention about Russ’s beautifully long life, but we would need another 90 years to do so. If you see a four-pronged cane standing by itself, think of Russ and know he is near. The family invites those who loved Russ, to consider a donation to an animal rescue or shelter of your choice. Visitation Saturday, May 17 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at ROZGA FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES – ROZGA-WALLOCH CHAPEL followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 PM. Private cremation to follow. Rozga Funeral & Cremation Services Rozga-Walloch Chapel 4309 South 20th Street Milwaukee, WI 53221