Russell J. Messing sailed peacefully into heaven on December 5, 2020. Russ came into the world on April 14, 1936, one of 16 children. He was the son of Elmer and Alma Messing. This tight knit family also knew him as Barney. On May 10, 1958, he married the love of his life, Rose Mary (Kolar) Messing. They were married for 62 years and lived in Ruth. They lived 50 plus years on the farm then built a new home in the woods where they enjoyed semi-retirement. Their lives remained busy with their growing family and friends. They spent the winter in Bradenton, Florida where their circle of friends grew.
In his youth, he sailed the Great Lakes and enjoyed telling stories about the rough water and all the ports he was in. He also spent some time working in factories. But his great love was farming. He enjoyed being a farmer and was proud that he helped feed his countrymen and women. In his later years, he sold Renk brand seeds to farmers. He enjoyed taking care of his customers and was top salesman more than once.
Russell is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rose of Ruth; his children, Glen (Paula)-Ruth, and their children Mitchell (Tiffany)-Ruth and great grandchildren Logan, Sophia, Landon, Lily, and Genevieve; Alex (Kendra)-Palms and great grandchildren Carter, Jackson and Charlotte; Perry (Nina), and their children Remington (Kristin)-Norfolk Virginia, and great grandchild Abigail, Mallori (Shawn) Barg-Lake Orion and great grandchild Celeste, Devin (Kelly)-Dexter and great grandchildren Addison, Annabelle, and Coraline; Pauline (Joe) Rzepecki-Troy and their children Matt (Alison) and Rose; Beth (Jeff) Haynes-Caseville and their children Dan (Porschelle)-Sandusky and great granddaughters Kylee and Olivia, Amanda (Steve)-Deckerville and great grandson Cooper, Codie-Bad Axe and Jinger-Ann Arbor; Todd (Deb)-Deckerville and their children Camay (Brad) Booms-Ubly and great grandchildren Blane and Connor and Clayton (Victoria)-Ruth; Scott (Tammy)-Ruth Anna, Cole and Wade. This loving family is sure to continue to grow as time passes. Russ loved being with his family and his family loved being with him. He especially loved the little ones, putting frosting on their pacifiers, holding them, and taking them on golf cart rides. He is also survived by siblings, Rita, Beatrice, Diane, Rosie, Evelyn, Bernadette, Viola, Howard, Dennis and Ernie.
Russell was preceded in death by siblings that went before him, Leroy, Gerald, Vincent, Patrick and Jim.
His legacy of love will carry on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, growing by leaps and bounds.
Due to the Covid virus, there will be no memorial services or Mass for Russ. Please honor this great and loving man in your own way.
Please consider making a donation in Russ’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Holy Apostle Church in Ruth MI.
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