Russell "Russ" Willer

Russell "Russ" Willer, age 89 of Hamilton passed away in Sunrise of Hamilton on Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 9:18 PM. He was born in Hamilton on May 14, 1919 the son of Fred and Clara (Stieg) Willer. Russ was a 1941 graduate of Miami University with a B.S. in Accounting and was a veteran of World War II with the Unites States Army Air Corps, attaining the rank of Captain, serving as a pilot for the 466th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force in Attledoro, England, where he flew B-24 and B-17 on 30 combat missions over Germany and France, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals. Russ was a member of St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church, a life member of the Elks Lodge #5 of Cincinnati, life member and 3rd Degree K of C #968, life member of the VFW Post #1069, was Grand Knight of Monsignor Welch K of C #4152 from 1969 to 1971, and was a Kentucky Colonel. Russ enjoyed bowling, golf, fishing, and gardening. He was employed as a senior accountant for Armco Steel for 36 years, retiring in 1982. In 1946 in Hamilton he was married to Eleanor Davis, and she preceded him in death in 1969; on April 18, 1970 in Hamilton he was married to Georgia L. Leftheris, celebrating 39 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia Willer of Hamilton and one daughter, Linda (Mike) Powell of Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lawrence "Butch" Willer and Robert Willer; and one sister, Eileen Kelley; and a granddaughter, Kelley Powell.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 10:00 AM with Fr. Tim Bunch, Celebrant. There will be no visitation. Entombment will follow in St. Stephen’s Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials to St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thank you to the staff of Sunrise Assisted Living and Team #506 of Vitas Hospice for their wonderful care.