Russel K. Boss

Russel K. Boss, 77, of Waterloo, died Monday, September 16, 2024, at Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice. Russel was born March 27, 1947, in Cedar Falls to the late Herman and Roxieann Boss. Russel married the love of his life, Esther Mae Wildebuer, on May 8, 1970, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He retired from John Deere in 2002.

Russel served four years in the United States Navy. During that time, he served in Vietnam, Korea, and the Philippines. Russel had a life-long love of motorcycles, starting with racing after the military and owning his own shop. His love of racing has carried on through four generations with his son, grandsons and great-grandson. He and Esther had many month-long two wheeled adventures traveling around the United States, including a memorable trip to Alaska. Russel also loved to fish, especially at the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Red Rock Lake. In recent years, Russel and Esther were snow birds to many southern states, mainly Texas.

Russel is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Esther Boss; son, Dean (Donna) Raubs; brothers, Bill (Claudia) Boss and Mark (Carla) Boss; 8 grandchildren, Austin (Chloe) Raubs of Monticello, Amber of Wisconsin, Hope (Hamza) Bejtic of Waterloo, Justin (Mackenzie) Raubs of Traer, Jake (Kylie) Raubs of Denver, Scott (Amy) Needham of Cedar Falls, Nathan Raubs and Tyler Raubs; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Lindsey Needham.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.