Russ Lunde

Fred Russell Lunde was born on March 13, 1947, in Highland Park Michigan, as the oldest child of Fred and Ida Lunde. As his father was in the Air Force, Fred would live in Texas and California before the family settled down in Ypsalanti Michigan. Fred would graduate from Willow Run High School in 1965 where he participated in some of the school drama productions. As a youth, he also played the accordion and the piano. Music would always be a part of his life.

While attending Oakland College in Rochester Michigan Fred received his draft notice. Instead of being placed in the Army, he chose to volunteer for the Navy. Being a part of the Navy would become a family tradition as his sisters Mary and Barb would later join the Navy. It was during his time in the Navy that Fred would start using the name Russ for his identification. He was always proud of the 4 years that he served in the Navy.

Russ was married twice and through these unions he became a father of 4 wonderful children: Joy, Mark, Cara and Josh. Later he would be blessed with 7 grandchildren.

A deeply spiritual person, Russ was at one time a very active member at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Paw Paw. He was a member of the Ward and served on many committees throughout his time at St. Mark’s. At the church, he made many friends and acquaintances over the years.

A caring and kindhearted man Russ put the needs of others in front of his own. He was always thinking about others. His generosity and caring will be remembered by so many people. He made people feel special as he would call them by name and got to know them on a personal level.

Russ had a magnetic personality that seemed to light up the room when he entered. It didn’t matter if it was at church, the Mattawan Senior lunches, on the pickleball courts or around family and friends, he had a way to make others at ease with his personality and his generosity. He was caring and creative and very much a people person. Though his death will leave an empty spot in those who loved him, his memory will live within the hearts, minds and souls of those that knew him.

On the morning of Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Russ died at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. His pain and suffering is no more. Surviving members of his family include his 4 children: Joy, Mark (Deborah), Cara (Ahmad) and Josh; his father Fred Lunde; 2 sisters: Mary Hayes and Barb (Tom) Luiz; 7 grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and a service will be announced. Russ will be buried next to his mother Ida who died in 2001 in the Parkview Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Visit Russ’ webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40 Hwy; Paw Paw (269) 657-3870