Russell Kent Wangen

Russell Kent Wangen was born February 25, 1953, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and peacefully passed at his home with his hymns playing and surrounded by his loving family on October 9, 2023. He was the greatest husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.

He was survived by his beloved wife Theresa, his son Robert (Brooke) Wangen, daughter Raina (James) Kolba, grandchildren Savannah and Harrison Kolba, and Addison, Cole and Luke Wangen. He was also survived by his siblings, Randall (Mary) Wangen, Kristine (Alwyn) Seen and Jennifer (Ronald) Loyd. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and George Wangen.

He graduated from Springfield Southeast High School in 1971, Springfield College in Illinois in 1973 and Southern Illinois University School of Dentistry in 1976. He continued his education and completed an orthodontics degree to help serve his patients and community. He practiced dentistry for 40 years in Pawnee. He had a great love for his patients and was affectionately known as “Doc”. He was a member of the American Dental Society and the GV Black District Dental Society.

Russ loved the outdoors. When he was not working in his office you could find him on the tractor, wrangling cows, or out hunting. He traveled to Africa, Alaska, Canada and many other states in search of his next big trophy. He enjoyed watching old westerns and collecting coins. He adored his cows and dogs.

His greatest title, however, was Grandpa. He coveted his time with all his grandkids. He shared his love with them for the outdoors and animals. He was always up for a ride on the tractor, a hunting adventure, watching them participate in sports, or just laying on the floor watching a movie. Each of the kids spent their first few years growing up in the dental office where his patients might have found him playing on the floor or watching a cartoon with them.

The family would like to express our thanks and gratitude to Memorial Hospice for the amazing care they provided him. Special thank you to his care team Brenda, Becky, and Barb for the love, attention, and friendship. He loved you all.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bramley Funeral Home in Auburn. Additional visitation will be Friday, October 13, 2023, from 10:00 am till time of services at 12:00 noon, at the funeral home, with Gary Mings officiating. Cremation to follow.

Following the service the family invites everyone for a luncheon that will be provided at the Bramley Reception Center (formerly Divernon Masonic Hall), 150 Reichert Road in Divernon.

Those who wish can make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research in his honor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell Kent Wangen, please visit our floral store.