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Kenneth Russell Obituary
Kenneth E. "Ken"
Kenneth E. "Ken" Russell, 78, of Walbridge, entered into God's care on March 11, 2014. Ken was born in Fostoria, Ohio on November 2, 1935, to George and Erma Russell, both of whom preceded him in death. Ken graduated from Fostoria High School in 1953, and Bowling Green State University in 1957, where he played college football and wrestled, and was a college All-American in both sports. He played professional football for the Detroit Lions from 1957-1959, where he was a member of the 1957 World Championship Team.
Ken was employed in the Transportation Industry as a logistic transportation Manager. He was an active member of the Northwood-Lake Township Kiwanis Club, a volunteer at the Wood County Senior center in Walbridge, where he delivered food. He was a former Lake High School Board member. He coached Walbridge girls softball and was an assistant coach for Lake High School girls softball. Ken also was in charge of several youth baseball tournaments in Walbridge and was active on the Walbridge-Fest Committee.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ellen; daughter, Dawn (Bruce) Cox; sons, Michael Russell and Marlin (Jill) Russell; grandchildren, Haylie, Heather, and Hannah Cox, Bradley and Logan Russell; brother, Wayne (Donna) Russell and was preceded in death by brothers, Allen and Howard Russell
Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 14, 2014, from 2-8 p.m. in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, Walbridge (419-666-3121) Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 15, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Mainstreet Church 705 N. Main St. Walbridge.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to Mainstreet Church. Online condolences may be made to
www.witzlershank.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Russell
Rex Leach
August 12, 2014
Russel family, Sorry for your loss. We were friends at B.G.S.U. Rex & Carol Leach
Jerry and Jackie Isch
March 17, 2014
Mrs. Russell, Dawn, Mike and Mar:
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. We just returned from Florida and were unable to properly pay our respects. I have so many good memories growing up around Mr. Russell.....from our childhoods through his last days he was always a source of kindness and sound advice whenever I was fortunate enough to see him. Anyone who knew him respected him and he made a huge contribution to our community. Our deepest condolences,
Kay Seiple
March 15, 2014
To the Russell family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I played softball with Dawn in high school as well as the Walbridge league. I had the great pleasure and honor to be coached by Ken. He was a wonderful coach and an even greater man. Coach Russell made an impact on me and will never be forgotten. I'm sure he'll live on in so many of us whose lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
March 14, 2014
Dear Russell family, I was saddened to hear of Coach Russell's passing. I played for his Walbridge Senior softball team. What a wonderful man he was. He was not only a coach of softball, but of life lessons as well. I have many happy memories. He will be missed and my thoughts are with you and your family. God bless you. Sheri Stickler.
Brenda (Bauer) Rees
March 14, 2014
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. I hadn't seen my cousin, Ken, in many years, but I remember hearing stories about him. So sorry for your loss.
March 14, 2014
Mike & family
Sorry for your loss
Chris & Monna Harman
March 14, 2014
My Condolences to the Russell Family. Like so many others, I have great memories of Coach Russell and even into my later years seeing him when my daughters played the Flyers or we just ended up at the same sporting event. Like my own father, I am sure you will miss him greatly, but remember he is at peace and will forever be in our hearts.
With Love & Wonderful Memories
Jil (Sutkus) Zurvalec
Uncle Ken & Brayton
Beckie Rader
March 14, 2014
Uncle Ken, Brayton & Blaine
Beckie Rader
March 14, 2014
Ellen, Dawn, Mike & Marlin
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your families. Uncle Ken will be a guy who is greatly missed. Bart and the boys always looked up to him. Brayton loved it when he came to his football game and brag that he had an Uncle who played for the Lions! He was so proud! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Bart, Beckie, Brayton & Blaine
Otto Beindorf '55
March 14, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family of a GREAT FRIEND from our football days at BGSU, 1953-54 seasons. Ken and I partnered up in drills whenever possible and had admiration for each other. I am from Defiance, OH and currently reside there. My best to you!
March 14, 2014
Mike,
Thinking of you and your family. Jean and Al Reed
Julie Smith
March 14, 2014
I was so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a wonderful man. So many great memories.
Julie Smith
Phaedra Farar
March 14, 2014
Though I didn't get to meet him, I did hear wonderful stories about him from Dad (Mark Russell) and Grandpa (Howard) Russell. I think it says a lot about a person, that they be remembered well without ever having been met. My love and sympathy go out to you. May you remember all the best times~
Uncle Ken with Brayton & Blaine
Beckie Rader
March 14, 2014
Roger Gross
March 14, 2014
So sorry to learn of your loss. Sending caring thoughts and prayers for you. Roger & Barb Gross
March 14, 2014
Dear Russell family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you after hearing of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott & Denise Schimming
Genoa, OH
Mark Russell
March 14, 2014
Hi Aunt Ellen and family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. I have good childhood memories of you and Uncle Kenny.
Love,
Mark Russell (Howard's son).
Bill Roeder
March 14, 2014
Marlin, Jill and family. So sorry about the death of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
God Bless,
Bill Roeder
Dennis & Carole Hanely
March 13, 2014
Ellen, Dawn, Mike and Marlin, We feel so blessed to have known your husband and father. What wonderful memories we have of him - so, so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
March 13, 2014
Ellen and family,
Ken will be deeply missed. He always had a hug and smile waiting and a sports story if you had the time! Fun loving, caring and sports lover are just a few words that describe Ken. Lake Schools has lost an avid friend and supporter. Cling tightly to your fond memories.
Dave & Christie McPherson
Jill Buckeye
March 13, 2014
Dear Marlin Jill and family
I am so sorry to hear about your father ( father in law )
Please know that special thoughts and prayers are with you and the family . Always remember the good times you had with your Dad . Sending lots of hugs. Love Jill and Tom Buckeye
Markeita Phillips
March 13, 2014
Ellen, Dawn, Marlin and Michael,We are so sorry for your loss.All of you are in our prayers.Ken was such a special person and he will be truly missed.Ken wasn't just a neighbor, but a friend. Jim and Markeita Phillips
Vicky Pratt
March 13, 2014
Ellen and family: so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful person. He made us feel very welcome to the neighborhood when we bought Virginia's house, Love, Vicky, Anthony and Andrew Pratt
Joe Gniewkowski
March 13, 2014
Russell Family,
Worked for Ken in Sales at Lyons. Respected Ken as a co worker and a friend. Always enjoyed his company. Sorry for your loss.
Judy Miller Hollabaugh
March 13, 2014
Ellen and family...my sincere sympathy to you. Kenny was such an outstanding wonderful man. I am going to miss seeing his happy face and getting my usual hug and kiss from him whenever I saw him. Prayers and love to your family.
Bill and Priscilla Pixler
March 13, 2014
Deeply sorry we can't be there, but we just read the obituary this morning here in Houston. Ken was a great supporter of everything Lake, a good example for all of us that knew him, but mostly a wonderful parent, who help raise three outstanding children.
March 13, 2014
Marlin, Jill and family, we are so sorry for you loss. Our sympathies to you and your family.
Love,
Cyndi & Bruce Sullivan
March 13, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I have so many great memories of our times together. Lake High School basketball games and recruiting. Rocket football and the Glass Bowl. The California Bowl. I am thankful for his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dan Simrell
Naples Florida
Ruth Walter-Brown
March 13, 2014
To the Russell Family, I am saddened to hear of Ken's passing. He was such a wonderful man and coach. I am sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Glennda Whitman
March 13, 2014
Ellen and family, so sorry about Ken. He will be missed by many. He put up the good fight and we know he's resting on high. Love and prayers,
Glennda Whitman
Skip and Connie Jacobs
March 13, 2014
We are so very sorry for your loss, Ken was a great guy I'm sorry that we didn't have a chance to know him longer then we did. Our prayers are with you.
Judy Frankart
March 13, 2014
Dear Russell family, So sorry for your loss of a great father and husband. My father, Lyle Kurfis worked with Ellen at St Charles and I had Marlin in 6th grade at Lake Elementary. I have many fond memories of him in class. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Judy Kurfis West Frankart
March 13, 2014
The Flyer Family has lost a dear friend. Our sympathies to the family.
Sandra Kontner
March 13, 2014
To the Russell family, Sincere sympathy to the entire family. The Northwest Ohio area has lost a big supporter of sports activities. He will be missed. Sandra Akenberger Kontner. (Bitter)
March 13, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. What a wonderful man he was and it was our blessing to know and be a part of his life. Ellen, Dawn, Michael and Marlin what a loss to each of you as you were all such wonderful neighbors/friends and we missed you when we moved away. I so remember the times when Kim, Kristi and Kendra were born how all four of you could hardly wait to see the new little baby girls. Such wonderful memories of so many years. We shall miss his wonderful smile and funny stories. Please rest assured that Ken now sleeps with the angels. We love you all - Ken and Judy; Kim, Don, Hailee and Zak; Kristi; Kendra, Jeremy, Natalie and Ava.
Lisa Hagdohl
March 13, 2014
Ellen, Dawn and entire family. My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss. .....just remember today there is rejoicing in Heaven! Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers....
March 12, 2014
Ellen, Michael, Marlin, and Dawn: I am sorry to hear about the passing of Ken. I am happy that I knew him for so many years. He was a friend, a coworker, a softball team player, and a Christian friend and teacher. He will be truly missed.
Pastor Irv Leidy
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