Richard "Dick" Russell

Richard “Dick” Russell, age 86, of Traverse City passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family the late evening of Thursday, September 30, 2021. Dick was born on July 24, 1935, in Saginaw, Michigan to Bernice and Gordon Russell. Dick married his high-school sweetheart, Mary Ann Loehr. They were united in marriage on October 27, 1956, and celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Dick was a maintenance supervisor at Chevrolet Grey Iron Casting Plant, Saginaw, Michigan, and retired after 38 years to his and Mary Ann’s dream home on Intermediate Lake, Bellaire, Michigan, where he took up wood carving earning many awards, hunting, and fishing. The highlight of Dick’s retirement years was spent with family, which included many a Saturday night dinner on the porch after attending Saturday mass. No summer night was complete until Grandpa took everyone out for a pontoon ride. While in Bellaire, Dick served on the Forest Home Township Planning Commission for 10 years. Dick and Mary Ann moved to Traverse City in 2006, where he spent the last 15 years. Dick is survived by two brothers Bill (Shirley) Russell and Bob Russell, two children, Richard (Dawn) Russell and James “Jason” (Anne) Russell, 5 grandchildren Andrea (Mike) Miszak, Chris (Kaitlin) Russell, Brett Russell, Suzanne (Aaron) Pattison, Chad Russell and 4 great-grandchildren Amelia, Camden, Parker, and Imogen as well as many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his “sweetie bear” Mary Ann, great-grandson Chip Russell and nephew Adam Russell. Dick will forever be remembered for his generous contributions, quick sense of humor and beautiful carvings. His true joy in life was his high-school sweetheart, Mary Ann, his grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren whom he adored. There was nothing more that he cherished than spending time with his family. A very special thank you to Deacon Rene Hoenscheid, of St. Patrick Catholic Church, who has been with us through this journey the last 4 years. You truly became a dear friend and spiritual guide not only to Dad but to our family. Also, thank you to Hospice of Michigan. We are forever grateful for your dedication, compassion, and kindness. A funeral service will take place on Monday October 4, 2021 at 11:00am at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. Dick will be laid to rest at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Dick’s favorite charities: St. Jude Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children and/or Tunnels to Towers. Dick and his family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Richard "Dick" Russell

July 24, 1935 - September 30, 2021