Connie Jean Russell, age 71 of Appleton, WI passed away on March 4th, 2026 peacefully after her struggle with a brief illness.

She was born on January 1st, 1955; daughter of the late Jacqueline Retzlaff and Clifford Wagner.

Connie worked some of her life as a driver for the Railroad employees and as a bartender but was also a stay at home mother.

She had a great love of animals and had several of her own dogs through the years. She was everyone’s go-to friend when they needed someone to talk to or hang out with. Her home was always open to family and friends no matter the time of day or night.

Connie is survived by her sons, Willie Wagner of Minnesota, Clifford Revels of Appleton and stepson Robert Russell Jr. (Wanda) of Kaukauna and her granddaughter, Amijah, along with several other grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is further survived by her siblings, brother James Wagner, sisters Cindy Wald, Terri French (Chad) and Shelly Zarnoth (Shane), her nieces Rebecca Wald, Brenda Wald, Heather Wagner and nephew Corey Murphy, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Connie was preceded in death by her close friend, Dave, daughter Michelle Wagner, mother Jacqueline Wagner Retzlaff, stepfather Ernest Retzlaff and father Clifford Wagner among other family members.

A celebration of Connie’s life will be held at a later date this Summer. May she rest in peace now up in Heaven, dancing with all the other angels!

“You will be missed dearly.”