Russell G. Vanek, 87, of Jerry City, died at 1:22 a.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Heritage Corner in Bowling Green. He was born on December 26, 1936, in Pemberville to the late Joseph C. and Ulo (Kimmel) Vanek. He married Marilyn J. Swope on March 22, 1958, and she preceded him in death on October 31, 2006. He later married Joan Gordon on September 20, 2008 and she preceded him in death on May 18, 2020.
Russell is survived by his companion, Carol A. White of Jerry City; children: Craig A. (LuAnn) Vanek of Wayne, OH, Teea M. (Susan) Vanek of Gainesville, FL, Leesa K. (Jeff) Frost of Zephyrhills, FL, and Karl Vanek of Highlands Ranch, CO; grandchildren: Nicholas Rush and Kayumi Hartnett; great-grandson: Ethan Hartnett.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Elwood Vanek.
Russell formerly worked as the Service Manager for Eisenhower Chevrolet in Pemberville; as 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 held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2024, at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore. Burial will be in Jerry City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 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.
