Russell Lee Spencer

Russell L. “Pug” Spencer, 85, of Iron River, MI, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at the Iron River Care Center. He was born April 3, 1928 in Iron River, MI, the son of the late Russell Spencer and Gerta (Hautamaki) Kosky. He attended the Iron River schools, graduating from Iron River High School with the Class of 1946. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of WWII. Following his honorable discharge, Russell returned to Iron River and was employed as a miner by M.A. Hanna Mining Company at the Wauseca Mine until its closure. He then worked for MSHA (Mine Safety Health Administration) in Pennsylvania and New York, returning to Michigan to work for OSHA for 4 ½ years. He later worked for MSHA out of Marquette as a resident inspector at the White Pine Mine. Prior to his retirement in July 1993, he worked for eight years as a Special Investigator and traveled six states in the course of his work. He also served as Vice President of the MSHA Union. Russell married the former Donna Schaal on June 16, 1951 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church and the couple made their home in Iron River. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this year. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Iron River, where he served as Secretary and Deacon, American Legion Alfred Branchini Post #17, and honorary member of the Iron River Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially trapping. He was preceded in death by three sons, Russell William, Jacob August, and Dane Robert Spencer, step father, Joel Kosky, brother-in-law, Charles Dennis, sister-in-law, Mary Lou Dennis, and niece, Denice Dennis. Russell is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Donnalee (David) Carlson of Caspian; three grandchildren, Carrie Ann (Gardener II) Bess, Michelle Lee (Tyler) Chernach, and Michael David Carlson; four great grandchildren, Tessa Daugherty, Gardener Bess III, Russell Gardener Bess, and Braylee Mae Chernach; nephews, Charles (Reinelle) Dennis, James (Sandy) Dennis, and Duane (Gretchen) Dennis. Visitation will be held Friday, December 13, 2013 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Iron River. Members of the Iron County Firemen’s Association will Pass in Review during the visitation. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church with Pastor Joel Fleischer to officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River, in the spring. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell Lee Spencer, please visit our flower store.