Russell Wiediger

Russell Wiediger, 69, of Moody, Texas, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Russell was born on January 29, 1956, to Herbert and Florence Wiediger in Utica, New York. He grew up on the family farm in Deerfield, NY before his family moved to Clarks Mills, NY in 1970. He graduated from Westmoreland Central School in Westmoreland, NY in 1974.

Russell’s hard work ethic began when he worked as a mechanic at Exit 32 for the New York State Thruway Authority. From there, he worked for Tilo Roofing and Siding before moving on to work for his Uncle Joe Wiediger’s Construction Company. He then worked for Dunlop Tire in Utica, NY. His passion for building, construction, and woodworking fueled his drive to start a business with a partner, C & R Construction in West Winfield, NY, which he had for over 20 years. His drive to help and serve others drove him to own and operate Russell’s Snowplowing and Lawn Service Company for many years. After owning his own business, Russell worked a short time as a tractor trailer driver but after seeing how much it took him away from his family, he chose to stay closer to home and worked for Marsh Construction out of West Winfield, NY from 2010 until he retired in 2018. Russell had a heart of gold and continued to do projects for friends and family while also building woodworking crafts in his garage.

On July 2, 1977, Russell married his teenage crush and the girl next door, Virginia (Penny) Smith, in Utica, NY and raised their family in Sauquoit, NY. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this past year.

Russell also volunteered by refereeing and coaching for his beloved daughter, Kristin’s soccer games as well as watching her play softball and basketball. He shared a true passion for New York Yankees baseball where he would go watch them play any chance you had.

One of Russell’s dreams was to buy land and build a home. He and his wife moved to Moody, TX in 2022 and made that dream come true. After finishing their home, he couldn’t sit still, so he took a part-time job at the Frank Mayborn Event Center in Temple, TX where he made some wonderful friends.

Russell is survived by his wife, Penny; his daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Daniel Reid; his grandpups, Max and Mia, whom he loved very much; his brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Diane Wiediger of Camden, NY; four grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many cherished friends from Central NY and Central TX.

He will be so very missed, but his memory and life will be with his family forever. Be at peace Russell and keep watching over us from above. We loved you every minute of every day and will always love you.