Russell K. Earl

Russell K. Earl 96 of St.Ignace passed away quietly Wednesday evening, December 15 at Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care. He was born February 11,1914 in Grand Ledge, MI. His parents were Clyde and Grace (Spencer) Earl. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1932, and worked for the A & P Store in Ionia. He became manager and then moved to St.Ignace in 1935 to take charge of the St.Ignace A & P Store. He hired many kids from the community to work at the store, and many went on to very responsible positions in the community and elsewhere. He was a very active member of St.Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, attending Mass sometimes daily, and certainly every week. He is a life member of the Knights of Columbus in St.Ignace, and an active Democrat. He carried the Cross at funeral Masses for many years under many priests. After the A & P Store closed, he worked for the Mackinac Bridge Authority as Time Keeper, and retired after 20 years of service. He married Ethelynne J. Scully in Ionia at St.Peter & Paul Catholic Church on October 10,1934, and she died May 16,1999 here in St.Ignace. They moved to St.Ignace shortly after their marriage. Russ will be missed by all who knew him, and especially children, as he had a special place for them. His room was filled with pictures of him with grandchildren and great grandchildren., and kids from the community. He is survived by 2 sons; Anthony Earl, Madison WI.; and David and Diane Earl, Westford, Mass. Also grandchildren, Russell, James, Suzanne, Julia, Anne, Mary and Catherine. Great grandchildren; Lucy, Eamon, Mathias, Jack, Henry, Will, Dierdre, Ben, Sophia, Selja, Aili, Kai, Emma, Christian, Whitney, and Antonia. Russ was one of 8 children, and they all preceeded him in death, Robert, George, Harold, Gordon, Frances, Marion, and Margaret.. A Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held in July, 2011 at St.Ignatius Church with Fr. Pawel Mecwel and Fr. Michael Danner, his nephew, officiating. Burial will be in St.Ignatius Cemetery next to his wife. Memorials may be directed to the church building fund with envelopes available from Dodson Funeral Home who assisted with arrangements. Online condolances may be left at www.dodsonfh.com.

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Russell K. Earl

December 15, 2010