Born in 1931 to Earnest and Ruth Rerucha, Russ was raised in Franklin Park, Illinois. He received a basketball scholarship to Colorado State University. He was a star athlete with an undeniable swagger that came from his humble demeanor and athleticism. Unknowing of his charms, the girls voted him Campus Champ because he was the cutest guy on campus. His charm was quiet and authentic.
Russ continued his education at the Thunderbird School of Global Management and accepted a job in Seattle with the Boeing Company. His career spanned 30 years at Boeing.
After moving to Seattle, he met his wife Lois on a blind date. A year later he proposed on a ski slope. Their marriage lasted 65 years. Lois and Russ raised their young family in Bellevue, WA. Life was filled with sports and games, basketball, tennis, and summers in Lake Chelan. Russ was the playful instigator of fun. Water fights, magic tricks, pranks, funny stories and singing in the shower are all beloved memories.
Admired for his integrity and honesty, Russ was steadfast, loyal, and consistently put others first. He led by example and instilled in all the desire to do the right thing.
He was the anchor and north star of our family. He is survived by his wife Lois, children Jill and Scott, daughter-in-law Aree, grandchildren Jenna, Jeffrey, and Griffin, and nephews Phil and Roger Beck.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 1, at 3pm at Timber Ridge at Talus in Issaquah.
In memory of Russ, the family kindly requests donation to: American Cancer Society, American Alzheimer’s Association, and Hero House NW.
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