Russell Roy Wery, age 75, of 12510 Hwy M-35, Rock, passed away Friday afternoon, November 14, 2008, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.Russell was born June 30, 1933 in Gurley Twp, MI the son of Roy and Dorothy (DeGrave) Wery. He was raised in Jam Damn, MI and attended the Powers Public Schools.
Russell served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Throughout his enlistment, Russell served with the 34th Infantry Regiment, in Korea, and was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Following his honorable discharge, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1961.
Russell was united in marriage to the former Geraldine LaCosse on June 21, 1958 at the St. Joseph Church in Perkins. They made their home in Rock where they raised their 4 children.
After working five years for Kimberly Clark, Russell worked for the Delta County Road Commission for many years, retiring in 1988. He was a 44 year member of the Perkins American Legion and the Escanaba V.F.W.
Russell enjoyed spending time at his camp, bulldozing, and working in his woodshop. He had made several Hope Chests for his family. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.
In addition to his loving wife of 50 years, Geraldine, survivors include:
2 sons: John (Brenda) Wery of Rock; Bill (Michelle Lynch) Wery of Rock
1 daughter: Mary (Terry) Verbrigghe of St. Nicholas
Grandchildren: Katy Wery, Ashley (Kris) Kommes, John Wery Jr., Terry Verbrigghe Jr., Brad Verbrigghe, Tiffany Verbrigghe, Lindsea Wery, Brittany Wery, Casey Wery, Erin Wery.
1 brother: Raymond (Marlene) Wery of Milwaukee, WI
8 sisters: Elsie Robinson of Homewood, IL; Irene (Romeo) Groleau of Wilson, MI; Betty (Don); Mansfield of Watersmeet, MI; Marlene (Eugene) Rosploch of Milwaukee, WI; Rosanne (Howard) Rhode of Milwaukee, WI; Joyce (Glenn) Meekma of Newfolden, MN; Karen (Paul) Ketola of Gwinn, MI; Frances (Don) Cline of Escanaba, MI
Sister-in-law: Marie Wery of Hermansville, MI
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by:
Son: Jim Wery in 1995, brothers, Richard and Alfred Wery, sister, Nancy Wery, brother-in-laws, Jimmy LaCosse, Clarence Duchaine, Leon Robinson, sister-in-law, Noreen Wery.
Russell
Anonymous
Dear Geraldine, John, Bill, Mary & Family,
I think of your Russ with great respect. Such a family man and wonderful grandpa. I think of community events, school events, church events and I can see him on the St Nicholas Road with his grandkids 🙂
I know you all will miss him so much. I have you in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Wils Royer
Portales, NM
Mary and family
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. The loss of a parent leaves behind an empty hole. When I was at your Dads and saw the GREAT family support he had I knew Russ was a very LOVED man, the time you stayed at your Dads side was the best gift you all could have ever given your Dad. God Bless you all for that, Know that I have you all in my prayers,
If any of you ever need anything, know you can give me a call, take care.
Cheryl Patrick and family
Rock, MI
To Dad,
I love you so much!You were the best dad any daughter could ask for.For all the time I spent with you I wish I could have kept you for ever.It was so hard for me to let you go but now your done suffering.Words cannot describe how much I will miss you.You will be in my heart forever.
Love Always,
Mary
Mary Verbrigghe
Rock, MI
To grandpa,
I will never forget all the special times I stayed with you and grandma.I love you so much and wont ever forget about you.
Love You Always,
Tiffany
Tiffany Verbrigghe
Rock, MI
We love you Grandpa! Oh, the great memories we have. You will be sadly missed.
Ashley Kommes
Neenah, MI
To Geraldine,
My heart goes out to all of you’s it seems like yesterday, Me bring mom to bingo to meet you, so you too could play bingo. Now Russ is with Porky up in Heavon, God bless them, Love Teri Krouth/Wagner
Teri Krouth/Wagner
Ortonville, MI
Dear Karen & Famil,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know that this is a very hard time for you all. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
I travel to Green Bay often and would always say Hello as I drove past your home, so I feel like I know all of you.
I will still say hello as I drive by and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Chic
Co-Worker of Karen’s
Chic Hakes
Gwinn, MI
Mary & Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.It’s not been easy but you are strong. We are thinking of you and your family during this sad time. Keep your chin up!
Jeannie, Michael & Matthew Jewell
Rock, MI