Russel L. Amacher

Russel Lyle Amacher 83 died on Thursday March 20, 2025, at his home in Fort Atkinson, WI.  He was born on January 22, 1942, to Alfred and Viola (Bergen) Amacher in Milwaukee, WI the youngest of five children.  When Russ was three years old the family purchased a farm and moved to Fort Atkinson.

He attended Finches Corner, a one-room schoolhouse near the farm.  Russ graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1957.  After high school he worked for Butler Manufacturing (later J-Star) and then NASCO, all in Fort Atkinson.  He served in the Wisconsin National Guard for six years.   

Russ developed a love of reading early on that carried through his entire life.  This interest was especially in history of the United States, but also the World.  He read about the people and places who impacted history in a variety of ways.

This passion for history also sparked an interest in family history.  He had the opportunity to talk with older family members, which resulted in him researching and writing an extensive family history.  In addition, he compiled a book of photos of his ancestors throughout the years.

His interest in history also lead him to start exploring the world outside his hometown by traveling both in the United States in the early years and then to foreign countries.  On September 3, 1983, Russ married Nancy Beilke in a one room church outside of Whitewater, WI.  They spent 41 years of marriage exploring historical areas and the world together. Their last trip abroad was to Switzerland in 2023, the site of their honeymoon. In his life, Russ visited over 52 different countries around the world.

Russ was also intrigued by local history.  He researched their home and wrote a history of their house, which was one of the oldest homes in Oakland Township. That lead him to be involved with the 1906 Historic School Museum in Cambridge, WI.  He spent many hours as a docent talking with visitors, researching local history and artifacts and writing books related to Cambridge history.  While he did not grow up in Cambridge, he developed an extensive knowledge of the community and surrounding area.

Russ especially loved old time country music and classic movies.  Throughout the years, he attended a variety of movie and music related shows, where he got to meet many of the old-time actors and singers.  He had a great love of nature, especially flowers and loved looking at new varieties each Spring.

Russ is survived by his wife Nancy, and brother Kenneth Amacher (Carole), nieces Lisa Amacher, Julie Clement (Bruce), and Tracey Knox (Scott), nephew Duane Amacher (Carol), great nephew Colin Clement (Liz Baker) and great niece Maire Clement (Davey Harrison) and their children Alasdair and Niamh and many cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Viola Amacher, brothers LaVerne and Dale, sister Lenore, and sisters in law Mary Amacher, Rena Amacher and Donna Amacher.

Funeral services for Russ will be held on Friday April 4th at Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson.  Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 am followed by the service and lunch.  The burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the Cambridge Historic School Foundation P.O. Box 214 Cambridge, WI 53523.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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