Russel "Russ" Aplin's Obituary
Mr. Russel “Russ” Aplin, age 72, passed away at his home in Cheboygan, Michigan on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Russ was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan on June 1, 1951 to Herbert and Lois (Erickson) Aplin. Russ joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from high school and served from 1968-1974. He was stationed in Vietnam and earned the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam MUC Cross of Gallantry, Rifle Markmanship Medal, and Badge of Good Conduct. Russ loved his country and remained a true patriot throughout his life. He was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #274, Cheboygan VFW Post #3623, and the Cheboygan American Legion Post #95. Russ was a member of the UBC Carpenters Union for many years prior to his retirement in 2001. He was a vigilant member of the NRA and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Russ was an outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. On January 28, 1977, Russ married the former Autumn N. Malette in Dakoda County, Minnesota and she survives him along with five children, Adam (Robin) Aplin, Autumn “Bunny” (Marty) Jeffery, Larry (Tammy) Beck, Dale (Marilee) Beck, and Chris (Lisa) Beck; 12 grandchildren, Jake Aplin, Clinton Demuth, Josh Jeffery, Matthew (Jessica) Jeffery, Cheyenne (Cody) Barbour, Jessica (Josh) Baxter, Jentry Beck, Leroy (Lisa) Beck, Brandon (Char) Beck, Drew (Kelly) Beck, Lauren McCall and Trent McCall; 13 great-grandchildren, Sierra, Gabe, Cohen, Camden, Aiden, Autumn, Alex, Wyatt, Hunter, Axel, Gabe, Melina, and Zayden; four sisters, Micki (Tom) Roberts, Lisa (Paul) Duckworth, Sharon (Steve) Schalow, and Diane (Rob) Cunningham; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Aplin; mother, Lois Symon; and stepfather, Bill Symon. SERVICES will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. VISITATION will be one hour prior to his service. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
SEMPER FI!
What’s your fondest memory of Russel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Russel?
Share a story where Russel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Russel you’ll never forget.
How did Russel make you smile?
