Russell D. Wolfe

Russ passed away on September 20, 2012 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was of Mason and Lansing. He died at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing due to complications of leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Margery Gilcrest-Hesse, two sisters: Ruelle Holland and Janice Turley, three daughters: Marci J. Wolfe, Tam E. Wolfe Viger (Brian) and Susan K. Hollon, his son Parry T. Wolfe (Courtney), 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Margery’s children: Irvin Dana Beal, Anthony B. Beal (Cynthia), Melinda R. Hoskin (Stuart), Ellen M. Beal (Pete Bosheff), Alexander G. Beal (Linda), Charles V. Beal as well as Margery’s eleven grandchildren.

Russ was born November 20, 1925 in Waukesha, WI. He served in the United States Army in WWII, during which he spent 6 months as a prisoner of war in Germany. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, married Anita J. Ohlsen of Ames, Iowa and worked for many years as a physical therapist. He received a Master‘s Degree from the University of Minnesota and took a job as a consultant to the Michigan Department of Public Health where he worked until his retirement. Russ and Margery married in 1983 and remained happily devoted to each other for almost thirty years.

Russ was an avid tennis player, playing for nearly 30 years with his best friend Don Grigg. He was a music and art enthusiast and became a fine painter after his retirement. He loved the outdoors, travel, fine wine and good food. Russ and Margery were both very active in liberal political and environmental causes.

There will be a celebration of his life for friends and family on Monday, September 24^th, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the gallery next to BestSellers Books and Coffee Company, at 356 South Jefferson St. on the courthouse square in Mason, MI. A celebration memorial service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.