The pain of his loss is only so great because of the pleasure that was his presence..while both near and far away. Our sincere symapathies to your family from the Charland family

I admire people that can stand and speak their feelings at a celebration of life.  I am not one of those people, however there are some memories that are important to us and they need to be shared.

We will always remember Dad for his incredible sense of humor.  He could make you laugh in the darkest moments.  The grandkids have some real stories of their times with "Ralph" and how he would turn them inside out.

Dad worked hard his entire life.  Masonry work is very demanding and puts the human body through its paces.  But, when you think about it, it is also very rewarding.  The homes he built, the basements represent the foundations for many families to build upon - and the fireplaces signify warmth.  Dad suffered from the physical labors and in recent years, Mom provided extensive care.  She had a daily routine of getting him up and ready for the day, provding a warm and loving home and the best meals that he always thoroughly enjoyed.  Recently it was more of a challenge to get him out and about for social interaction and to his appointments, but she did it all with the assistance of a wheel chair.  A true story of love and devotion spanning nearly 60 years.

His body let him down but his heart was still as big as ever.  He was devoted to his family and he provided a wonderful environment for us to grow up.  We can only hope we made him proud.

His compassion for others was incomprehensible.  When he was active in the Holland Fire Dept., he would always see to it that anyone in need was addressed.  He served as chief after moving through the ranks of assistant chief, for many years.  If there was a first aid call, he would drive the family to the hospital.  When his family or community needed him, he was there.

After retirement and moving to Florida, Dad joined the Pasco County Sherriff's Crossing Guard staff.  He worked at many school locations throughout Pasco County.  The kids, parents and staff adored him; he has some beautiful keepsakes that were given to him by the kids and their parents.  Another example of his dililgence for caring and assuring the safety of the kids.  

When their only grandaughter was critically injured in a car accident more than 8 years ago, he and Mom held vigil nearly everyday at the hospital in St. Petersburg for nearly 8 month.  This is the kind of love and family support we have always had.

The past month has been a difficult one and we are struggling and trying to accept that someone who worked so hard and gave so much, deserves to rest.  He fought so hard to make it through for the upcoming trip back to Holland planned for mid-June.  

This is not goodbye, but until we meet again.  You were and always will be a cherished husband and partner to Mom, an awesome Dad and Father-in-law and an amazing Grandfather.  We will love you always, miss you forever and treasure every moment we shared with you.

Now, rest in peace as you have clearly earned the privilege to do so.

Your loving daughter.

Aunt Marion,Rhonda and Rick,I am so so sorry.Uncle Russ was such a kind and loving man.I will miss him dearly.Ruthann.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow. May all of your wonderful memories bring you comfort.

Dear Marion, Ronda, Rick and families: 
Russ was one of a kind. He was one of the most helpful men I have ever known. Russ was kind and thoughtful and cared deeply about his family and community. Russ spent many many years as chief and held other positions with the Holland Volunteer Fire Dept. which was just a small part of what he did for his community. I knew of his dedication to the fire department when he and the other volunteers would fight a working fire or other emergency all night (or as long as it took) and then Russ would go on to work never saying a word about fatigue. Russ was also one of the most gifted, skilled and hard-working masons I have known. Russ truly was a man's man and a wonderful hunting companion. His smile and sincerity will never be forgotten and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him or being in his company. God bless Russ.

Ronda,   
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your memories of your Dad and all that he meant to you bring you comfort.  Please know how much you are being thought about and know how deeply you are wished the gentle comfort of those sweet memories.

Rhonda and family,  we are so sorry for your loss.  We wish you the comfort of wonderful memories.  Peter and Faye Teluk

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Ronda and families: 

Deepest sympathy is extended on the loss of your loved one.

OBITUARY

Russell Frank Wohlgemuth

September 9, 1933 – April 19, 2013

Wood Funeral Home

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