Russ Bliese was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, on December 29th, 1925.
He is the oldest of six children. He attended preschool, kindergarten and grade school at Saint John’s Lutheran school, in Watertown, Wisconsin. Following high school with his father’s permission, he joined the US Navy.
He was a radio man and gunner on SBD dive bombers. His squadron did anti-submarine patrols on the USS Randolph and were also on the maiden cruise of the USS Philippine Sea.
Following his military duty, Russ joined IBM International Business Meetings while pursuing his B.S. degree at the University of Louisville by taking night classes.
He moved up the corporate ladder at IBM from marketing manager to President and CEO of IBM Korea. Russ and his wife lived in Seoul Korea for five years. He retired from IBM at the age of 60 with a handshake from the president of Korea.
After retirement, Russ got his private pilot license in 1981. He loved flying his Cessna 143 and took his friends and grandkids on many flights. During his spare time Russ was an avid golfer. He carried an eleven handicap and in 2011 at the age of 85 he shot an 85 in a golf tournament. He has the score card to prove “He shot his age.”
When asked what is your secret to longevity, he said, “good genes, taking care of myself and daily exercise while taking long walks. Russ will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 29th. Russ loves the Ventura Townehouse and hopes to end his days here saying he has had a great life!
