Kingsford-Russell J. Christesen, age 96, of Kingsford, Mich., passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at Evergreen Assisted Living, Kingsford, Mich.

He was born March 7, 1922, in Florence, Wis., son of the late Ode and Hazel (Johnson) Christesen. Russell grew up in Florence and graduated from Florence High School, class of 1939. He went on to attend North Park College in Chicago, Illinois where he received his associate degree. Russell then went on to attend the University of Wisconsin- Madison where he received his bachelor's degree in engineering. Russell proudly served in the United States Army Air Corp. during World War II, as a navigator with the Fighting 463rd Bombardment Group on the B17 Bomber. He served 50 missions and was stationed in Italy. Russell met Dorothy "Dottie" Hadden while he was stationed at nearby Ellington Field in Texas, following his tour of duty overseas during World War II. They were married in Houston, on July 10, 1946, and then moved to Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., where Russell began his engineering career. During Russell's career, job related moves found the family moving to several different states. He was employed by Ebasco Services Inc., New York City, with their office located in the World Trade Center. While with Ebasco he traveled both nationally and internationally with their power plant division and was Chairman of the Board. Russell retired after 40 years with the company. After retirement Destin, Florida became their home. Dottie preceded Russell in death on October 1, 2015.

Russell was a life member of the Order of the Masonic Lodge, Wisconsin Rapids, Rotary Club Member, Destin, Florida, and volunteered on many projects with the City of Destin. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger Fan. Russell wrote his own book called "Beating The Odds In The Deadly Skies".

Survivors include one son, Jim (Donna) Christesen, Destin, Florida.; two grandsons, Ryne and Preston Christesen, both of Houston; two sisters, Carol (John) Meyer, Iron Mountain, Mich. and Hazel Gehlhoff, Florence, Wis.; one nephew, Bob (Pattie) Gehlhoff, Florence, Wis.; one niece, Janice Gehlhoff, Florence, Wis.; and several cousins.

In addition to his parents and wife, Dottie, Russell was preceded in death by one daughter, Linda Christesen; and one brother-in-law, Robert Gehlhoff.

Friends will be invited to attend the Graveside Service at Woodlawn Cemetery, Florence, Wis. which will be announced in the Spring.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Russell's family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Crematory, Florence, Wis., to honor Russell's legacy of life.