- Date Of Birth: February 6, 1940
- Date Of Death: March 3, 2010
- State: Indiana
Russell Henry Molenaar, age 70, of Rensselaer, IN passed away March 3, 2010 at his home.
He was born on February 6, 1940 in Rensselaer, Ind. to Andrew and Della (Worley) Molenaar. Russ attended Barkley school and graduated from Rensselaer High School, Class of 1958. On July 21, 1961, he married Alma Lou Biggs in Rensselaer, Ind. Russ started out farming with his father. In 1960, he worked for his brother-in-law Jack Hielema in construction and building new homes. In March of 1964, he started working for Local #41 Laborers Union and was elected to the executive board. In 2002, Russ retired from the International Laborers Union of North America. Upon his death, he was a member of good standing for 46+ years. He also worked for Sam Hamstra Jr. with his farm and part time for the Indiana State Highway Dept.. Russ was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Sons of the American Legion, the Men’s Auxiliary of the VFW, Moose Family Fraternity, North American Fishing Club, and the National Rifle Association. He loved to hunt and fish and the outdoors was his second home. He was a thoughtful man, and loved helping his grandsons to hunt, fish and shoot targets. He was proud of all his grandsons in their many accomplishments that they achieved. Russ was also an avid fan of John Wayne and never missed any of his movies. When anyone needed help with anything, Russ was always willing and able to lend a helping hand.
Surviving with his wife are two sons, Ronald (Bonnie) and Michael (Mary) Molenaar both of Rensselaer; six grandsons, Michael “Rusty” (Juanita “Nikki”) Molenaar, Cody, Dylan, Colt, Shayn and Morgan Molenaar and one great-granddaughter due to arrive April 2010; one brother, Wayne Molenaar of Rensselaer and one sister Delores “Dori” Heilema of DeMotte. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, Dan Emery, Kathy Rowe, Steve and Jeff Molenaar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law, Arnold “Jack” Heilema, one nephew, Herb Emery and one great niece, Paige Molenaar.
