Russell J. Denio

A gentle soul, Russ DeNio may have been a quiet man who was often reserved, but he was foremost a dependable man who always had your back. Russ had a firm work ethic, and provided well for his family whom he loved dearly. With faithful, Christian values, Russ lived with integrity. And by example, he laid a solid foundation for his family to live by. Deeply missed, Russ leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of many. The era known as the Roaring Twenties created an entirely new landscape within the culture of America. A time of great prosperity, innovations and inventions of the day added much to the lives of the American people. Yet a most memorable event in the lives of Russell and Jeanette (Yonkers) DeNio was the November 1, 1922 birth of their first child, a son they lovingly named, Russell J. DeNio. Born and raised in the Michigan city of Muskegon, Russ was later joined by his younger sister, Josephine. His father worked as a laborer at Lakey Foundry while his mother was a homemaker. They made their home on Laketon Avenue across from the Old Dutch Refinery where Russ enjoyed typical adventures of boyhood. From the age of eight, he developed what would become a lifelong friendship with his pal, Marv Kersting. Throughout his youth, the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic hardship for all. As a boy he learned much from his father, who was a hard working, dependable man. He learned by not only witnessing his father's strong work ethic, but through his perseverance and skill as they built a new family home together. Just as the days of the Depression saw an end to tumultuous times, talk of impending war overseas was cause for great concern. During this time, Russ was in the 11th grade when he landed his first job working at the local A Grocery Store. After scrimping and saving, Russ bought his first automobile, a red Ford, Model A convertible complete with yellow wheels. Certainly the envy of many, Russ went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1941. Before long, Russ' father secured him a job at Lakey Foundry. Things were really looking up for Russ, especially when he met Alice Jane Wolf, the young woman who came to hold Russ' heart. While at Berean Church for a function with his buddies, Russ spotted Alice who was also there with a group of girls. From the start, Russ had eyes for Alice, but so did several others who vied for her attention. However, when it came to Russ, the feeling was mutual. Russ and Alice dated a short time before he was inducted into the U.S. Army on December 31, 1942. With World War II well underway, Russ served in the infantry with the 820th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Although distance separated them, Russ and Alice shared a postcard romance throughout his time in the service. Before long, their love blossomed. On August 19, 1944, while on leave, Russ returned home to marry his sweetheart at the Berean Church. Back on the war front, things were really heating up. Along with other soldiers and without any orders, Russ and his fellow comrades came under heavy enemy fire. In the midst of this turmoil, Russ and a fellow soldier saved one of their wounded comrades, without regard for their own safety. Very proud to have served his country, Russ and Alice made it a point to attend annual Battalion reunions across the country. At the war's end, Russ returned home to his awaiting bride. They lived with his parents for a time before moving into a place next door where Russ and Alice began a family of their own. They purchased property on Dangl Road in Fruitport Township where they built their forever home in 1962. There they raised their children, Cindy, Diane, Jerry, Ron, and Thomas. Sorrow filled their lives when their son, Jerry sadly died at eight months old. When he was five years old, their youngest, Thomas died when hit by a car. No burden a parent should bear, Russ and his family clung to their faith throughout these times of turmoil. Motivated and inspired by their children and the desire to create a good, faithful and loving home, Russ and his wife made wonderful memories for their children. Russ' strong work ethic served him well in providing a good home and life for those entrusted to his care. He worked as a machinist at various companies and as a carpenter at Muskegon Construction for 15 years. He eventually retired from the Kaydon Corporation in 1986. Russ and his family shared vacations to the Upper Peninsula and a memorable time vacationing in Oklahoma. He built a family cottage up north on Round Lake in 1965 where they made many friendships. Treasured times were also spent as a family at Muskegon State Park where they enjoyed numerous picnics over the years. Nieces and nephews have fond memories of times spent with uncle Russ and aunt Alice at their cottage or the beach. Like his father before him, Russ enjoyed his knack for cooking, and did so often. He liked going to local hockey games, as well as playing a good game of cards. He particularly loved fishing for perch off the Muskegon Pier and enjoyed having fish fries with the abundance. He valued the companionship of his hunting dogs. As a charter member of the Berean Church, Russ faithfully attended services and church functions. Russ was very handy and could fix anything. He did his own car maintenance, and taught his children to drive. Although he could be strict and stern as a father, Russ possessed a gentle loving spirit towards them which he never denied. Russ was proud of his kids and supported their endeavors. As they grew to have lives of their own, Russ shared his heart, time, and talents. He renovated his daughter Cindys first home after she married. He spilt his ten acre property, giving five acres to his son, Ron. Russ helped him build his house all while continuing to work at their full time jobs. He also helped his daughter, Diane with college expenses. Even with his giving heart, Russ was known to be frugal. Perhaps it was living through the Great Depression, but Russ denied himself for the good of his family. He carried his lunch in a five pound sugar bag which gained him the nickname, Sugar Bag Russ while working at Kaydon. Upon retirement, they even awarded him with a huge commercial sugar bag! After retiring, Russ and Alice spent 14 winters in their double wide trailer at Ft. Myers, Florida. When his beloved Alice died in 2007, Russ focused on his family. He loved having two of his grandchildren living next door, and even though he was hard of hearing, Russ always knew when they mentioned jelly beans or cookies. Russ also enjoyed visits from his grandson Tyler, who took a special interest in his Grandpa, and they shared much time together. Russ DeNio could always be counted on. Always dependable and ever dedicated, he lived his life in faith, and with integrity. He sacrificed for the good of those around him, and in his family he found the greatest joy. With his quiet nature, Russ may not have always expressed himself with words, but his sparkling eyes and smile spoke volumes. Deeply loved, the memories Russ leaves behind will be fondly remembered. Mr. Russell J. DeNio, age 91, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. SURVIVORS: Son, Ronald J. (Kathy) DeNio; daughters, Cindy (Gary) Kempker, Diane (David Reid) DeNio; four grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Alice in 2007; young sons, Jerry and Thomas; parents; and by his sister, Josephine DeNio. SERVICE: Monday, July 21, 2014, 1:00 PM with visitation starting at 12:30 PM at Berean Church with Rev. Craig Apel officiating. Interment at Mona View Cemetery. MEMORIAL: Muskegon Rescue Mission or Berean Church Memorial Fund. To share a favorite memory and photo of Russ and to sign his online guest book, please visit clockfuneralhome.com.