Russell Vander Wier

Simply stated, Russell W. Vander Wier, Sr. had passion for life. His generosity, compassion and kind heart were unmatched as his genuine love for people was clearly seen in his daily walk. It was a joy to be in his company where his ever present smile shone bright. Russ made a difference in the lives of many, and life will never be the same without him. The 1940s found much of the world involved in World War II. At home in the U.S., headlines of the day consisted of daily war updates as young servicemen battled overseas. Women entered the work force in droves and much was being done for the war effort as the spirit of America remained faithfully strong. It was through these changing times on September 7, 1942 when Gerald and Elaine (Williams) Vander Wier welcomed the birth of their son, Russell Wayne into their hearts. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Russell joined his older brother, Michael. Before his birth, Russell's family moved to the area in search of work, but soon after they returned to their hometown of Muskegon across the state. Settling in the area known as Pinchtown, they later moved to East Muskegon before making their home in North Muskegon in 1955. During this time Russell welcomed two younger siblings when his sister, Patricia and brother, Jim came along. He enjoyed a typical childhood for the times filled with family picnics, Sunday drives and adventures with neighborhood friends. From an early age it was clear that Russ was a thinker and loved learning. In fact, he could spend hours watching a spider make its web. Having attended the local schools, he excelled in his studies and was a member of the National Honor Society before graduating from North Muskegon High School in 1960. After moving to Kalamazoo, Russ went on to Western Michigan University where he earned a teaching degree, returning to Muskegon where he took a position teaching Civics at Muskegon High School. Life was good for Russ. He had a great job and spent the summers serving as a life guard at the North Beach on Lake Michigan. A 1965 Pontiac GTO was his pride and joy at the time and a cruise one day proved to change the course of his life when he met a young woman named Linda Corradin. Linda worked as a car hop waitress at Snug Harbor's ice cream shop. They soon began dating, fell in love and were married in August of 1967. In 1969 Russ welcomed one of his greatest blessings when his son, Russell Wayne Jr. Chip was born. Russ discontinued teaching and took a job at Muskegon Piston Ring for a short time. He then made the decision to go to Wayne State Law School which was something he pondered for a time. They moved to Detroit and while he attended to his studies, Linda taught at a local school there. Russ' sister, Pat, also lived in Detroit and she helped out tremendously with their babysitting needs. After receiving his law degree, Russ moved his family back to Muskegon, eventually settling into a house on Oak Avenue in North Muskegon. Russ began working for the Muskegon County Prosecutors Office and after a number of years became the attorney for the Muskegon County Friend of the Court. During this time, Russ and Linda were blessed with two more children when daughters, Elizabeth came along in 1975 and Katherine followed in 1976. Together they enjoyed annual family gatherings at Long Lake near Walhalla, Michigan. In time they purchased 20 acres of land in the Twin Lake area, north of Muskegon. Their weekends and summers were enjoyed there as a family planting and tending their fields of vegetables, fruits, and apple orchard. They grew wheat too, which Russ used to make homemade bread. He loved to cook and bake, and was quite good at it, too. As a family they also took memorable road trips to Colorado and Washington D.C. Book knowledge was a welcome virtue in Russ' life. A constant learner, his thirst for information and knowledge never ceased. He often challenged his children with big words which prompted them to look up the definitions. Russ had an inventive streak, too, and once made a solar powered hot dog cooker. Well liked, Russ was socially active in the community and enjoyed many events and outings with other attorneys in town. In the mid 1980s Russ embraced his true sexuality and became part of the gay community. He and Linda divorced and after 20 years he left his position at the county building. At this point in time Russ went to work for his brother, Jim at Redi-Rental. He set-up house on the east side of Muskegon for a time before settling into a home on the corner of Sanford and Merrill. A friend to many, he hosted many gatherings for cookouts and parties at his home where great times were enjoyed. Throughout his life, Russ had a love for people and was very compassionate. He often took in those who struggled and taught them positive ways of living. As an attorney, he often provided his friends with pro-bono legal work and made a difference in the lives of youth teaching wayward kids how to read. In time he began working at the Wesco gas Station on Laketon Avenue where his children said he knew a gazillion people. Russ loved enjoying the summer months at his trailer in Saugatuck. He remained close with his children and grandchildren and was very proud of each of their accomplishments. He had an uncanny sense of humor and teasing his family was one of the ways he showed his love. A bit sarcastic at times, it usually accompanied his humor and his ever present smile. Always lovingly accepting of others, he used his knowledge and experience for the benefit of many as he guided others through the ups and downs in life. Last week, Russ suffered an aortic aneurysm. The surgery performed was successful, but his body proved too weak, and on Friday, April 8, 2011, Russell W. Vander Wier, Sr. sadly died. A driving force who will be dearly missed, the difference he made in the lives of many will never be forgotten. Russ is survived by his son, Russell "Chip" (Colleen) Vander Wier, Jr. of Muskegon; daughters: Elizabeth (Scott) Shaffer of Plainwell, Katherine (David) Baker of Grand Rapids; mother, F. Elaine Vander Wier; sister, Patricia (Tom) Baker; brother, Jim (Sherri) Vander Wier; grandchildren: Sophia Shaffer, Samuel Shaffer, Charlotte Baker, Heinrich Baker; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Michael. SERVICE: Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon. VISITATION: Tuesday, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Muskegon Rescue Mission. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory of Russ, submit a photo or to sign his online guest book.