Russell LeRoy Havenor

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Russell LeRoy Havenor, 82, of Ironwood, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 14, 2019.

Russell was born on Sept. 18, 1936, in Winegar, (Presque Isle Township) Wis., a son of Leslie Edward and Pearl Mary (Hebert) Havenor. He attended Marenisco High School and graduated in 1954.

Russell enlisted in the U.S. Army on Sept. 13, 1955. He proudly served his country in Korea, and he was honorably discharged as a specialist third grade on June 25, 1958. He was a member of the American Legion.

On Jan. 10, 1959, Russell married Patricia Keast. The young couple moved to Milwaukee where he began working at American Motors. Russell and his family returned to Marenisco in January 1967. He was employed at White Pine Copper Company until its closure.

Russell was a dedicated Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers fan. He liked going to see his favorite bartender, Margaret Picoldi, at the Crossing Inn in Wakefield. In his younger years, Russell played baseball for K.O. and Rosie's Old-timers. He enjoyed picking berries and helping his mother tend her garden. Russell had fun going to the casino.

Russell played basketball in high school, and the team he played on went on to the state finals. He received numerous medals during his years playing basketball. Russell took pleasure playing solitaire, cribbage, pool and completing his daily crossword puzzle in the Ironwood Daily Globe. He was an avid swimmer and swam across Lake Gogebic in his younger years. Russell taught his children, nieces and nephews how to swim. He will be dearly missed by all.

Russell is survived by his beloved wife, Pam, Ironwood; PaPa's little friend, Bryce; Pam's family; his two daughters, Theresa (Thomas) Budgick, Marquette, and Susan (John) Havenor, Marenisco; a son, Russell (Pamela) Havenor, Hamburg, Minn .; a stepson, Lonny (Kim) Roland, Brighton; grandchildren, Corey (Stephanie) Budgick, Ashley (Charley) Tonella, Alanna (Joe) Heffron, Candice Lillie, Samantha (Shane) Klevgard, Samuel (Naomi) Lillie, Shirlene Harrison, Emily (Karle) Havenor, Christopher Havenor, and Daniel and Michael Roland; great-grandchildren, Caydan, Isabel, Zoey, Brent, Callie, Carter, Kachine, Wynter, Sydney, Dallas and Mya; a sister, Sharon Kelley; his brother-in-law and close friend, Robert Mussatti; other close friends, Clifford Markuson and Paul Pavlovich; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; three sisters, Joyce (George), Beverly (Carl) and Janet; two brothers, Leslie (Joann) and Charles, in infancy; his brother-in-law, Norvel; a stepson, Robert Roland; a grandson, Patrick Havenor; his companion, Audrey Bierlein; and wife, Judith Havenor, on Dec. 1, 2009.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 500 E. McLeod Ave., Ironwood, with the Rev. Rosemary DeHut officiating.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the military service.

Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Presque Isle, Wis.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.