Russell Rader

Russ Rader of Millington, MI passed away early Friday morning Nov-17-2017 while at the Heritage Hill Assisted Living in Caro, MI. Russ was 93.

Russell Paul Rader was born December 14, 1923 to Henry and Anna Rader in Flint, Michigan. He was raised in Fostoria, Michigan, graduating from Fostoria High School in 1941. Russ joined the Army Air Corp in 1943 and served in the China-Burma-India corridor during WWII where he was a glider unit mechanic in the 10th Division. In 1945, at the end of the war, Russ returned to Fostoria where he married Agnes (“Peg”) Schell in 1946. Together they have five children, eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Russ was an elevator man for most of his career, managing the Frutchey Bean plant in Millington before he became part owner and manager of the newly formed Millington Elevator & Supply Co. He retired in 1985 when he and Peg began to spend winters in Naples, Florida where he joined a group of bicyclers. He continued to ride his bike in and around Millington until the age of 89, making several trips to Columbiaville on the rail trail. He was an avid bowler and golfer, and he loved riding motorcycles, snowmobiles and boating on Murphy Lake. Russ was well known for his story telling, with the Bright Blue Cheer being the most infamous.

Russ is survived by his wife of 71 years, Agnes (Schell) Rader, children Paula Lyman, Carla (John) Moore, Joe (Raye) Rader, Carol (Keith) Bleuer, and Susan (Tony) Kessler, grandchildren, Crystal (Kevin) Vida, Kori (Mark) Pyenta, Mike (Leah) Rader, Kenny (Laura) Moore, Tricia (Brent) Long, Tricia Hauger, Kyle Jozsa and Caitlin Bleuer, great grandchildren Karlie, Tanner and Travis Vida, Abigail, Lydia, Kyria and Mercy Pyenta, Maddie, Charlie and Danny Moore, Hayden, Morgan and Ben Rader, Isaac, Shiloh and Naomi Long, sisters-in-law Vernice (Rader) Berriman and Marge Rader, many nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna (Schrader) Rader, father- and mother-in-law Ernest and Mayme (Rowell) brothers Donald and Carl Rader, sister, Dorothy Ide, brother- and sister-in-law Ed and Alice Schell, sister- and brother-in-law Ann and Waldo Garner, son-in-law Morris “Bud” Lyman.

A memorial service will be held later. You’re welcome to express condolences, share a memory, or light a candle by opening the Guestbook page.

HANLIN FUNERAL HOME

Serving Since 1928.