Obituary for Russell J. Sterenberg
Russell J Sterenberg, 82, of Mastodon Township, Mich., passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at his home.
Russell was born on July 24, 1940, in Muskegon, Mich., to the late Jay and Janet (Langeland) Sterenberg.
He grew up in Muskegon and graduated from West Michigan Christian High School, class of 1958. He married Shirley Melissa Dee (Oliphant) in 1964, divorced in 1977, then married Susan Ohmen in 1982.
He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1965 at Michigan State University as well as two Master’s degrees during his tenure as an educator. He retired from Lansing Public Schools in 1997 where he served as a special education teacher for nearly 30 years.
In retirement, he maintained many lifelong friendships and a love for the Lord. He loved sports, road trips, and being a grandfather. He enjoyed playing golf, bocce ball and observing nature out of the window of the log home he designed and built.
Russell is survived by his wife, Susan Sterenberg, ex-wife, Shirley Sterenberg; daughters, Staci and Amy; grandchildren; Samantha, Cypress, Kris and Maxwell; siblings, Sandy Nieuwenhuis, Mary Breuker (Gary), and Jim Sterenberg (Kathy); and many nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Ed Nieuwenhuis.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Lakeview Bible Church, Crystal Falls, Mich. A Celebration of Russell's life will follow at the church at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Roger Jaworski officiating.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Russell’s family at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.
The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich., to honor Russell’s legacy of life.
Russell was born on July 24, 1940, in Muskegon, Mich., to the late Jay and Janet (Langeland) Sterenberg.
He grew up in Muskegon and graduated from West Michigan Christian High School, class of 1958. He married Shirley Melissa Dee (Oliphant) in 1964, divorced in 1977, then married Susan Ohmen in 1982.
He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1965 at Michigan State University as well as two Master’s degrees during his tenure as an educator. He retired from Lansing Public Schools in 1997 where he served as a special education teacher for nearly 30 years.
In retirement, he maintained many lifelong friendships and a love for the Lord. He loved sports, road trips, and being a grandfather. He enjoyed playing golf, bocce ball and observing nature out of the window of the log home he designed and built.
Russell is survived by his wife, Susan Sterenberg, ex-wife, Shirley Sterenberg; daughters, Staci and Amy; grandchildren; Samantha, Cypress, Kris and Maxwell; siblings, Sandy Nieuwenhuis, Mary Breuker (Gary), and Jim Sterenberg (Kathy); and many nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Ed Nieuwenhuis.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Lakeview Bible Church, Crystal Falls, Mich. A Celebration of Russell's life will follow at the church at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Roger Jaworski officiating.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Russell’s family at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.
The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich., to honor Russell’s legacy of life.