Russell Vanek Obituary

Russell G. Vanek

Russell G. Vanek, 87, of Jerry City, died at 1:22 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at Heritage Corner in Bowling Green. He was born Dec. 26, 1936, in Pemberville to Joseph C. and Ulo (Kimmel) Vanek. He married Marilyn J. Swope March 22, 1958, and she preceded him in death Oct. 31, 2006. He later married Joan Gordon Sept. 20, 2008, and she preceded him in death May 18, 2020.

Russell is survived by his companion, Carol A. White of Jerry City; children, Craig A. (LuAnn) Vanek of Wayne, Teea M. (Susan) Vanek of Gainesville, Florida, Leesa K. (Jeff) Frost of Zephyrhills, Florida and Karl Vanek of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; grandchildren, Nicholas Rush and Kayumi Hartnett; and great-grandson, Ethan Hartnett.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Elwood Vanek.

Russell formerly worked as a service manager for Eisenhower Chevrolet in Pemberville, a self-employed petroleum distributor for Luckey Farmers and Mid-Wood. He enjoyed flying radio-controlled model airplanes and helicopters, riding his motorcycles and playing the banjo.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore. Burial will be at Jerry City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.