Russell J. Lanenga

Russell J. Lanenga, age 66, of Battle Creek, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026. Russ was born May 26, 1959, in Berwyn, Illinois, the son of Richard and Helen (Buikema) Lanenga. He was raised in Cicero and graduated in 1977 from Timothy Christian High School in Elmhurst. Russ loved the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks and Bears, and followed them even after moving to Battle Creek in 1986. He worked in the parts department of Heritage Chevrolet for 35 years, was a member of Woodland Church, and enjoyed woodworking and doing yardwork. On October 4, 1986, he married Mary E. (DeGroot) in Battle Creek who survives. Also surviving are two daughters: Brielle (Kyle Sexton) Lanenga and Rachel (Joshua Turner) Lanenga; two grandsons: Victor and Kobe; two brothers and one sister: Richard (Charlene) Lanenga, Ellyn (Bob) Nicodem and Greg (Lynda) Lanenga; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service to celebrate Russ’ life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. The family requests memorial contributions in Russ’ honor be given to Centrica Hospice Care or All Species Kinship. www.henryfuneralhome.org