MASON, MICH./ LANSING, MICH. 

Russell D. Wolfe 

Nov. 20, 1925 – Sept. 20, 2012


Russell D. “Russ” Wolfe passed away Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was of Mason, Mich., and Lansing, Mich. He died at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing due to complications of leukemia.

He is survived by his wife, Margery Gilcrest-Hesse; three daughters, Marci J. Wolfe, Tam E. Wolfe Viger (Brian) and Susan K. Hollon; his son, Parry T. Wolfe (Courtney); eight grandchildren and two 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) and Charles V. Beal, as well as Margery’s 11 grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Ruelle Holland and Janice Turley of Oconomowoc, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Floyd; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Wolfe; two brothers-in-law, Chet Holland and Mel Turley; and two nephews, Bruce and Larry Holland.

Russ was born Nov. 20, 1925, in Waukesha. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, during which he spent six 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 30 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 was a celebration of his life for friends and family Sept. 24 in Mason, where he lived.