Russell VanderWeide

Russell (Russ) VanderWeide passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 4th. His beloved wife Barbara and family were by his side.

Russ was the ninth child born to Reinder and Matilda VanderWeide on October 7, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents and all eight siblings. He is survived by his devoted wife Barbara whom he met roller skating and couldn't live without. They celebrated 69 years of marriage and being each others best friend in February. He loved his sons Jeffrey (Meryl) and Jody (Deborah); his grandchildren, Chad (Nicole) VanderWeide, Sara (Mike) Buhr, Zachary (Steffani) VanderWeide, Joshua (Keeley) VanderWeide, Chloe (Joshua) Nagel and Austin (Kate) VanderWeide. He really enjoyed watching his great-grandchildren play in the pond in his backyard, fishing and catching frogs. Everly, Bowen, Kallie, Jack, Colsen, Naomi, and Mckynlee all entertained and amused him. Two more great grandchildren are due to be born this month and will miss the joy of knowing their GGpa and getting to raid his candy drawer.

Russ served in the United States Army during the Korean war, spending 18 months in South Korea. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to spend time in Florida fishing on the ocean with his buddies. He and Barb traveled around the world and went to many interesting and beautiful places. He enjoyed tennis, rollerblading, skiing, hiking and taking people out on his catamaran so he could dump them in the middle of the lake. He was always teasing and finding ways to stir up mischief. When he had his stroke at age 80, the activities had to cease, but the mischief never did! Barb was faithfully by his side through it all and made sure he was well taken care of. They loved to take naps in their side by side recliner chairs, and sit on their deck enjoying the beauty of their backyard. He will be greatly missed!

The service to remember and celebrate Russ' life will be on Tuesday, July 15 at 12 Noon at New Community Church. Friends may visit with his family beginning at 11 AM.