Russell “Russ” Eugene Fowler, age 72, of Ithaca, passed away on September 5, 2025 peacefully in the house he built, surrounded by love, laughter and the mischief of his family, exactly how he would have wanted it. Russ was born in Carson City on July 28, 1953 to his parents Eugene and Wanda Fowler. He graduated from Ithaca High School in the class of 1971 and married his wife, Cheryl (Garbow) Fowler, on May 20, 1978. As a young adult, Russ was in the National Guard and loved playing Basketball and Softball. Russ was most publicly known for his presence at the family business, Fowlers Farm-City Sales, Inc., where he devoted the bulk of his life. You could usually find Russ behind the counter ready to help point you in the direction of what you needed, brighten your day with a good joke, or be a much needed listening ear. The family recalls the countless people who stop them on a regular basis to share interactions with Russ at the store, working for Russ as high school kid, or the time they called him and he met them at the store late at night for an emergency belt or other part. The theme is consistent, Russ was a selfless man who cared about his neighbors, his community and of course, his family. Russ was also active in the community. He coached youth baseball, softball and basketball. He was involved in the Ithaca Schools PTO for many years, and served on the Ithaca Public Schools Board of Education for several years as well. In 2002 with his family, Russ founded Terror on 27, a local haunted attraction, at their property located near the intersection of M57 and US127. This became Russ’ happy place. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his crew of volunteers and coming up with wild ideas and bringing them to life. He enjoyed teaching people how to use tools and what was possible with imagination and hard work. For many years, Russ was the first character you encountered at the haunt, “Ralphie”, where he joyfully scared and creeped out thousands of people. With Russ’ driving force, Terror on 27 has become one of Michigan’s most popular haunted attractions. Russ leaves behind his wife Cheryl; daughter Laurie (Jason) Steed of Ithaca; daughter Bethany (Ryan) Andrews of Ithaca and their children Grady, Emerlie and Eagan; son Corey (Bonnie) Fowler of Ithaca and their children Nellie and Dean; mother Wanda Fowler of Ithaca; sister Nancy (Rick) Childers of Maples Rapids; sister-in-laws Phyllis (Gary) Schilling of Sheridan, Bonnie (Brian) Johansen of Stanton, Dawn (Ken) Stoll of Sheridan; mother-in-law Shirley Garbow of Greenville; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father Eugene Fowler and his father-in-law Don Garbow. Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 12th from 4-6pm at Terror on 27 for one final “Bean Soup Day” from his “good old days” at Fowler’s. In lieu of flowers, Russ would encourage you find a local business to support. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
