Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — Russell Peter Clous, 86, a lifelong resident of Traverse City, passed away, Sunday, March 15, 2009, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
Russell was born March 13, 1923, to the late George and Clara (Worm) Clous in Traverse City. Russ entered into marriage with the former Frances Graham on April 7, 1951, in Traverse City.
Being natives to the area, Russ and Frances stayed in Traverse City to start their family. With the help of his brothers, Russ set to work building their home on Keystone Road, a home where they raised the four girls and have been in for nearly 58 years.
Russ worked with the City of Traverse City for 29 years before retirement. In earlier years Russ would take any opportunity to head out fishing, visiting lake Leelanau and Duck Lake often with family. He cherished that time on the water in his fishing boat, reeling in perch. Russ enjoyed watching the traffic from the house or the many birds that would fly in to enjoy the feeders. He will be missed at the annual picnics with family and friends, he so enjoyed.
Left to cherish Russell's memory are his wife, Frances Clous of Traverse City; four daughters, Linda Prough of Kalkaska, Nancy (Chuck) Westcott of Traverse City, Barb Clous of Traverse City and Betty Clous of Kingsley; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Fred Clous; a sister, Marjorie (Robert) Ockert of Kingsley; several nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members and friends.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Kazon, Ann Bellows; a brother, James Clous; and a nephew, Garth Clous.
Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with the Rev, Justin Grimm officiating. Graveside committal services will be held in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's Association Northwestern Michigan Chapter.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
Barb,
I'm so sorry to hear your Dad passed away. My Dad passed away in January and I know how hard it is. May God be with you and your family as you go through this hard time and try to find a "new normal" without him.
A fellow Sabin classmate and neighbor.
Nancy (Robbins) Watson
April 07, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
chuck and nancy; sorry to hear of your loss. contact me sometime, chuck. margaret windbigler
margaret windbigler
March 18, 2009 | Traverse City
As one of "Unkie" Russel's nieces, my siblings and I spent many a summer day being spoiled by the kindness and generosity of both Unkie Russ and Aunt Frannie. Spending the night with our cuz's, we would wake up to gingerbread pancakes, and then head out with unkie Russ to go smelt dippin'. What a special time that was- times that will never be forgotten by any of us. God Bless us all during this time.
Ann Prause
March 18, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
Russell was a Great guy ,Always full of joy and joking around and his loved his fishing I grew up around all the Clous Family and they all treated me like Family.We are going to miss Russell deeply,We are sending our prayers ,Russell we Love you and are going to miss you alot .
Matt Fasel
March 17, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
