Russell Roy Wery, age 75, of 12510 Hwy M-35, Rock, passed away Friday afternoon, November 14, 2008, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Russell was born June 30, 1933 in Gurley Twp, MI the son of Roy and Dorothy (DeGrave) Wery. He was raised in Jam Damn, MI and attended the Powers Public Schools.
Russell served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Throughout his enlistment, Russell served with the 34th Infantry Regiment, in Korea, and was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Following his honorable discharge, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1961.
Russell was united in marriage to the former Geraldine LaCosse on June 21, 1958 at the St. Joseph Church in Perkins. They made their home in Rock where they raised their 4 children.
After working five years for Kimberly Clark, Russell worked for the Delta County Road Commission for many years, retiring in 1988. He was a 44 year member of the Perkins American Legion and the Escanaba V.F.W.
Russell enjoyed spending time at his camp, bulldozing, and working in his woodshop. He had made several Hope Chests for his family. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.
In addition to his loving wife of 50 years, Geraldine, survivors include:
2 sons: John (Brenda) Wery of Rock; Bill (Michelle Lynch) Wery of Rock
1 daughter: Mary (Terry) Verbrigghe of St. Nicholas
Grandchildren: Katy Wery, Ashley (Kris) Kommes, John Wery Jr., Terry Verbrigghe Jr., Brad Verbrigghe, Tiffany Verbrigghe, Lindsea Wery, Brittany Wery, Casey Wery, Erin Wery.
1 brother: Raymond (Marlene) Wery of Milwaukee, WI
8 sisters: Elsie Robinson of Homewood, IL; Irene (Romeo) Groleau of Wilson, MI; Betty (Don); Mansfield of Watersmeet, MI; Marlene (Eugene) Rosploch of Milwaukee, WI; Rosanne (Howard) Rhode of Milwaukee, WI; Joyce (Glenn) Meekma of Newfolden, MN; Karen (Paul) Ketola of Gwinn, MI; Frances (Don) Cline of Escanaba, MI
Sister-in-law: Marie Wery of Hermansville, MI
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by:
Son: Jim Wery in 1995, brothers, Richard and Alfred Wery, sister, Nancy Wery, brother-in-laws, Jimmy LaCosse, Clarence Duchaine, Leon Robinson, sister-in-law, Noreen Wery.
Russell’s family will receive friends on Tuesday November 18, 2008 from 4:00 to 6:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites conducted by the Perkins American Legion will follow at 6:45 PM. Funeral services celebrating the life Russell Roy Wery will follow at 7:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden officiating. Luncheon will follow services at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall in Perkins. Burial will be in the Perkins Cemetery.
