Russell Henry Roelofs

Russell Henry Roelofs, 85, of Jackson, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 21, 2023. He was the son of Henry Albertus and Eleanor Elaine Roelofs, born on Wednesday, September 29, 1937 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judith Parkes Roelofs, their children Roger (Patty) Roelofs and Kathy (Tom) Roelofs-Jones, four grandchildren, Ellen (Marilyn) Roelofs, Evan (Sarah) Roelofs, Jacob (Jenna) Jones and Kaitlyn Jones and one great granddaughter, Shira Roelofs, his sister-in-law Carol Roelofs and nephews and niece, Matthew (Sherri) Roelofs, Nathan (Angela) Roelofs and Sarah (Mark) Zimmerman. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Carl Roelofs.

Russ’ greatest loves were his family, his hometown of Grand Rapids, and rooting for the University of Michigan. Russ attended Godwin High School, Davenport College and graduated from Grand Valley State University. He served in the Michigan National Guard and Reserve. For 29 years, Russ was a dedicated and beloved 8th grade social studies teacher at Western schools. While there he coached middle school track, basketball and football. In retirement he volunteered at the Cascades Humane Society and the Jackson County Meal Service and was active in church. He also loved taking tickets for U of M basketball and hockey games.

Russ took his family to a cottage on Lake Michigan every summer, where he loved to sit on the beach and watch the waves. He enjoyed outings to Whippi Dip and Pentwater House of Flavors with his family. He always had a special place in his heart for rescue animals and served as Santa during the Cascades SantaPaws fundraiser each year. Russ’ generosity, sneaky sense of humor, and kind nature will be missed, and his legacy will live on in family and friends. In his honor, consider eating a sweet treat, spending time with a beloved pet, and introducing someone to the lake.  

The family would like to thank the Hospice Home for their compassion and excellent care during Russ’ final months.

At his request, cremation has already taken place. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, January 28th at 11:00 am at Arbor Grove Congregational Church, 2621 McCain Rd, Jackson, Michigan 49203. The family will be available at 10:00 am to receive friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home at 2150 Kingsbrooke Dr, Jackson, MI 49202; or the Cascades Humane Society at 1515 Carmen Dr, Jackson, MI 49202; or Arbor Grove Congregational Church, 2621 McCain Rd, Jackson, MI 49203.

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