Russell Dewey Geldersma, age 80, of Clarksville, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at his home. The son of William & Lois (York) Geldersma, he was born on September 10, 1945 in Hastings, Michigan.

After graduating high school, Russell proudly served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam War veteran. He attained the rank of Specialist Fourth-Class and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and his Marksman (Rifle) and Sharpshooter (Pistol) badges.

On July 1, 1977, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he married the love of his life, Stephanie Leigh Bailey, and for nearly 48 years together they built a family deeply rooted in love, hard work, harder laughter, and good old-fashioned respect for one another. Russell also loved hunting and fishing with his family and his best buddy Jack, woodworking, tending his award-winning tomato garden, and of course spoiling his grandchildren. Everything Russell did was always with so much thought and kindness unless of course he was baiting you to laugh at one of his many dad jokes.

For 22 years Russell worked as a construction foreman for Architectural Metals Inc., retiring in 2019. AMI was like a second family; when he had free time, Russell would head down to the shop to share stories, wisdom, and ensure the boys were doing a good job.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Charlie, Mary Ellen, Donna, and Jean.

Surviving are his wife, Stephanie Geldersma of Clarksville; his children, Melissa & Derek Sipka of Muir, Madalyn & John Schneider of Lowell, Russell & Nicole Geldersma, Jr. of Saranac, and Rebecca & Cody Woodworth of Laingsburg; his stepchildren, Roger Liles of Arkansas, Penny & Orville Austin of Hastings, and Teresa Liles of Arkansas; and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Russell’s life will be held and announced later and burial, with military honors, will take place at Campbell Township Cemetery in Clarksville.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Russell’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.