Russell Gene Redekop

Russell Gene "Russ" Redekop, 54 of Ronan passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Thursday, March 19, 2015 at his residence in Ronan.

Russ was born October 19, 1960 in Polson, MT to Dean and Norma Redekop. In 1971 Russ' father was tragically lost in an auto accident in Idaho. His mother later married Jim Funke and together they lovingly raised Russ and his four sisters. He grew up in Polson and graduated from Polson High School in 1979. Following graduation Russ enlisted in the US Navy. In March of 1986 Russ married classmate Nicole Anderson. Their little redheaded boy, Wesley was born in 1989. Russ and Nicole were later divorced.

Beginning his naval career as a submariner, with his fun sense of adventure and a perpetual twinkle in his eye, Russ was "under way" to see the world! His travels took him far and wide, through the Pacific and Atlantic and everywhere in between. One of his favorite adventures was randomly running into a hometown friend – a Marine, in tiny remote bar near Manila, in the Philippines. Montana was always "home" to Russ, always returning here while on leave. His duty stations included: San Diego, CA, Pearl Harbor, HI and New London, CT. Russ finished up his last four years as a Recruit Division Commander for new recruits at Great Lakes Naval Station, North Chicago, IL. Russ proudly retired from the Navy in February, 2002 and came home to Montana.

After retirement from the Navy, Russ returned to the Mission Valley and went to work for the family business. Russ made many friends throughout the years, young and old, he always took time to share a joke and a smile, a tale and a laugh. He was the consummate prankster and joke teller. If there was a deck of cards or a crib game anywhere near, he would usually find it. In May of 2002 Russ met his fiancé, April Rowland. They explored the backroads of western Montana and enjoyed fishing and camping together along with his beloved dog, Riley. Russ was happily surprised in 2009 when his son, Wes moved to the Mission Valley to be closer to his dad and family.

Russ was preceded in death by: father, Dean H. Redekop, paternal grandparents Henry and Ann Redekop, maternal grandparents Elwood "Shorty" and Leota "Dottie" Joy and infant neice, Amber Luke.

Survivors include: fiance' April Rowland, son Wesley Redekop, grandchildren Liam Redekop and Alice Brooks Redekop, mother and stepfather Norma and Jim Funke, sisters Gwen(Greg) Clairmont, Geri (Lloyd) Turnage, Gay(Mike) Speckert, and Genean(Travis) Clairmont. He also leaves behind twelve nieces and nephews, eight great nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, March 26th at The Lake Funeral Home in Polson. Cremation has taken place, interment with full military honors will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery. A reception is planned after the services at the Polson VFW, Main Street, Polson.

Pallbearers are his nephews: Chris Clairmont, Tom Clairmont, Cory Clairmont, James Turnage Joe Turnage and Daniel Clairmont. Honorary Pallbearers are Dakota Clairmont and Hunter Clairmont.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following: any Mission Valley VFW Post, Ronan Beautification Project or the Lake County Animal Shelter.

Read Russell Redekop's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.