Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Geldersma, Russell Dewey March 8, 2026
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net May 27, 2026, 5:37 pm

Grand Rapids Press -  Sunday March 22, 2026

Excerpts from Grand Rapids Obituary

RUSSELL DEWEY GELDERSMA

Died Sunday March 8, 2026-age 80 of Clarksville.
Born September 10, 1945 in Hastings, son ofWilliam & Lois (York) Geldersma.
After graduating high school, served in U.S. Army & was a veteran of Vietnam 
War.
Attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Class & was awarded the National Defense
Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal, the Vietnam Campaign medal, and his 
Marksman (rifle) & Sharpshooter (Pistol) badges.
In Grand Rapids on July 1,1977 married Stephanie Leigh Bailey, that lasted 
nearly 48 years of love, laughter & respect for one another.
Russell loved hunting, & fishing, with family & with his best buddy, Jack.
Also woodworking & tomato gardening.
For 22 years he worked as a Construction foreman for Architectural Metals Inc., 
retiring in 2019.
Preceded in death by his parents & siblings Charlie, Mary Ellen, Donna and Jean.
Survived by his wife, Stephanie Geldersman of Clarksville; his children,Melissa 
& Derek Sipka of Muir, Madalyn & John Schneider of Lowell, Russell & Nicole 
Geldersma Jr. of Saranac & Cody Woodworth of Laingsburg; his step-children, 
Roger Liles of Arkansas, Penny & Orville Austin of Hastings & Teresa Liles of 
Arkansas; many grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life Saturday from 2-5 p.m., April 11, 2026 at the Alto American 
Legion Post #528, 6052 Linfield Ave. S.E., Alto,MI49302.
Burial with military honors will take place at Campbell Township Cemetery in 
Clarksville at a later date.
May share a memory at www.MichiganCremation.com

Additional Comments:
U.S.Army Vietnam War
Clarksville Cem.,
Campbell Twp.,
Ionia Co.,MI.

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