Russell John Gindele

Russell (Russ) J Gindele of Cincinnati, Ohio and Connersville, Indiana passed away December 17, 2024. He was born in Cincinnati on October 1, 1960 to the late Bob and Bette Gindele (nee Traurig).

Russ was the proud father of Jon (Kaitlyn), Mike, and Ryan (Deja) Gindele. He was also the beloved Papa of Jay, Ryley, Payton, Madison, Noah, Preston, Sophia, Mike Jr, Hannah and Timmy. And, he was the devoted brother of Cherie Lubbe and loving uncle of Matthew Lubbe (Rachel) and Erin Beckstedt (Evan).

He made friends easily, no matter where he went. In 1973 when he was 12 his family vacationed in South Dakota including on Rosebud Indian Reservation. They attended a rodeo on the reservation and in no time, he made friends with the Indians and, sitting on the chutes, helped to release the rodeo animals from the chute.

In 1969 his parents bought a pop-up camper and assembled about 10 families who always camped together. From that time on, he loved camping. Sometimes he used a tent, other times the back of his pick up and sometimes just under the stars. When his sons and nephew were in Scouts, Russ became very active with their Boy Scout Troop. This allowed him to camp all year. He had a collection of cast iron pots and skillets to cook over the fire.

His sister, Cherie, has a camper in Connersville, Indiana and the entire family would camp there. He loved it so much that when he became disabled in 2009, he moved into a camper at that campground and remained living there until this past March. He had been a non-practicing Catholic for years. His sister converted to Christian several years ago and convinced him to try church again. They found Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Connersville; Russ was baptized and became a deacon in training under Pastor Jerome Weaver. This last March he began having more medical problems and agreed with his family that it was no longer safe to live by himself. He moved in with his son, Jon, for a while, and recently moved into an Assisted Living in Deer Park.

This past summer he was still able to go with Cherie to camp for a week at a time. He enjoyed seeing his friends and playing cards in the evening. His passing will leave a huge void for everyone, but especially for Cherie. The last few years he was her rock. Someone to whom she could go to for help with hauling items, pulling bushes, repairs at her camper and numerous other things. She will miss not only those things, but sitting at camp in the evening playing cards or just relaxing at the table with him. Two years ago, Cherie, her husband Bill, Barb a close friend, and Russ would play cards every evening. Now it will be down to only Cherie and Barb. Just not the same. Cherie does have the peaceful knowledge that she will be reunited with Russ, Bill and her parents one day.

Russ, we’ll expect you to laugh at our jokes about you, just as we know Bill was always laughing at jokes about him. I’ll get another lamp for your spot and I just may put one of your nasty cigarettes in it. Keep Bill and Mom and Dad company until I join you. Love you. Cherie

Memorials may be made to the local National Kidney Foundation; 9674 Colerain #297 Cincinnati, OH 45251 Phone: 513.961.8105

To share a memory of Russ or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.