Obituary: Russell C. “Russ” Nielsen, 72, of Ludington

Russ Nielsen

Russell C. “Russ” Nielsen, 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday. October 30, 2024 after a nine-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease

Russ was born on November 29, 1951 in Ludington, the oldest of four children born to Russell A. and Betty Nielsen and graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1969. Russ married Diane (Horacek) Bentz on November 27, 1980 and they have celebrated almost 44 years together.

Russ served two years in the Army during the Vietnam Conflict.  Before and after serving in the military he worked as a baker in Ludington and other locations in Michigan.  While working as a baker in Midland he was recruited by Kmart as their bakery/deli district manager, eventually working his way up to regional manager covering several states.

Russ enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, watching NASCAR races, going to car shows, and showing off his 1966 burgundy GTO.  He was also an avid outdoorsman spending many hours hunting, fishing, gardening, camping and landscaping.

Russ will be greatly missed by his wife Diane of Ludington; children Paula (Moses), Greg, Todd (Jamie), Jennifer (Jeremy); his grandchildren Michael, McKayla, Nick, Gabe, Gavin, Izik, Keetin, Koltin, Lucas, Logan, Taylor and Harper; great-grandchildren Jase, Kodah, Nayeli, Jax and Kailo; his brothers Don (Jackie), and Norm (Jenny); his sister Alice (Joe); sister-in-law Mary (Bruce); his brothers-in-law Chuck (Deb), Doug (Terri), Al (Lisa), and Brian (Traci). Russ will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins including special cousins Carol and Lynn Petre and Vernie Jabrocki.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents Russ (Phyllis) Nielsen, and Betty (Chuck) Hargreaves; parents-in-law Chuck (Bernice) Horacek; and his brother Bobby.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Russ at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 8 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer with Rev. Daniel DePew as celebrant.  Friends may meet with his family prior to services starting at 10 a.m. at the church.  Those who wish to remember Russ with a memorial donation are asked to please consider donating to one of the following organizations: Alzheimer’s Association, or a Hospice Care of the donors choice.

Russ’ family would especially like to thank John, Sandy, David, Tammy and Adrian from Elara Caring Hospice Care for their compassionate and professional care.

Please visit Russ’ memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Russ with his family.