Russell D. Meengs' Obituary
Russell D. Meengs, age 76, of Spring Lake, passed away peacefully from esophageal cancer at the Poppen House on Thursday, July 16. Russ was born on June 21, 1939 to John and Ruth Meengs.
Russ is survived by his wife, Lynn, of 51 years; children, Bill Meengs of Spring Lake, Susan (Lt. Col. Ricardo) Colon of Perrysburg, OH; grandsons, Ricky and Matt Colon, "bonus daughter," Jennifer Krause-Prescott; sister-in-law, Marilyne Meengs and her children, Mary (Jeff) Mieste and John (Melissa) Meengs; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Russ was a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School, Davenport Institute and The National Trust School at Northwestern University. He started his banking career in 1961 at Union Bank and Trust Company in Grand Rapids. In 1975, he was named the Vice President and Senior Trust Officer of the People's Bank and Trust Company in Grand Haven. In 1982, Russ and Lynn began their 19 year adventure owning and operating The Office Supply Center in downtown Grand Haven. People will never forget Russ' favorite ad, “We don't sell broccoli".
His passion for the outdoors included salmon fishing in his boats, "The Trust Fund" and "El Barco," hunting and trap shooting. His lifelong interests in the arts included photography and painting. Russ was a strong, honest and caring man. His sense of humor and candid manner will be deeply missed.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John; and brother-in-law, Jim Nelson. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 2 from 1-4pm at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, 231-798-1100. Please visit the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in memory of Russ to The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Pediatric Gastroenterology/Ulcerative Colitis, PO Box 931517 Cleveland, OH 44193-1655, or by visiting Cleveland Clinic Online Giving.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Fred Krause, Bill and Betty Collison, Jon and Glenda Eshelman, Jerry and Marge Lundeen, Chuck and Lila Cripps, Sue Syverson, special chemo nurse, Roxanne, and Jack Roossien, MD for supporting them through this time.
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