OBITUARY: Russell A. McLaughlin

Russell A. McLaughlin

Russell Albert McLaughlin, 98, of  Chelsea, Mich. passed away Monday, Sept. 3, 2012. He was born Jan. 16, 1914, in Paxton, Neb., son of Otis Burns and Luella (Sayer) McLaughlin.

Russ was an active entrepreneur, having started businesses in Chelsea, Dexter, Jackson, Houghton Lake and Roscommon, Michigan.

He was active in Kiwanis, being a past president, a life member of Olive Lodge No. 156 Free and Accepted Masons, president of the Chelsea School Board during the period of consolidation of the rural school districts to form what is presently the Chelsea School District, a founding member of the Board of Directors of Chelsea Products, which later became part of Dana Corporation.

Russ enjoyed his many friends over coffee each morning wherever he resided. He was a great jokester, hunter, and an avid investor.

Proceeding him in death were his wife, Elaine M. (Streeter) McLaughlin; sister, LaReine E. Heald; brother-in-law, Maxwell P. Heald; brother, Clenard O. McLaughlin; sister-in-law, Barbara (Reeves) McLaughlin; and the mother of his children, Jean F. (Dancer) McLaughlin. Survivors include his three children, James O. (Carol) McLaughlin of Harbor Springs, MI, Jane K. (Gordon) Starr of Columbus, IN, David C. (Jane) McLaughlin of Ann Arbor, MI; nine grandchildren, Sandy J. McLaughlin, his fiancée, Jeannie Magiera, Craig S. McLaughlin and friend, Phillip Smith, Beverly J. (Willis) Kiogima, Michael M. (Judy) Starr, Mark D. Starr, Maureen A. (David) Moore, Christine J. (Drew) Hazelton, Elizabeth J. McLaughlin, Damon C. (Kimberly) McLaughlin; and eleven great grandchildren. 

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will take place at a later date. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.