Russell Herbert Wolthuis passed away at his residence surrounded by his family on June 7, 2026. He is survived by his wife Rosemary of 60 years and his children Johannes (Lacey) of Ionia, Margaret (Scott) Winn of Holland, Nathaniel (Michelle) of Ionia, and Andrew (Crystal) of Oklahoma City.

Additionally, Russ is survived by 19 grandchildren, Zachary, Elizabeth (Eric), Anna (Corbin), Jonas, Eleanor, Spencer, Ava, Aaron, Conrad, Steven, Jackson, Jacob, Samuel (Kate and daughter Scarlet), Sophie, Timothy, Joshua, Autumn (Mac), Aiden, and Natalie.

Russ graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College (now Grand Rapids Community College) in 1968. He was then inducted into the U.S. Army where he served until 1970. He returned to Ionia where he was employed by General Tire until the plants' closure. His true passion however, was raising kids, livestock, and crops on his farm in Ionia. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Temple Baptist Church, 1979 South State Road, Ionia.

The family requests in lieu of flowers any donations be made to Heifers International (www.heifer.org) or Michigan Right to Life.