Russell M. “Russ” Eftink
November 30th, 1954 - February 19th, 2024
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Russ's Obituary
Russell M. “Russ” Eftink, 69, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024.
Russ was born on November 30, 1954, to Joseph & Joann (Praul) Eftink in Cape Girardeau, MO. He graduated from Watervliet High School and continued his education at Lake Michigan College. Russ worked in multiple management positions, most recently retiring from Burnette Foods Inc. in Hartford, MI. On January 26, 1991, Russ married Norma (Ollhoff) Kirkpatrick in St. Joseph. Russ was a member of the St. Joseph Lions Club, Economic Club and Knights of Columbus in Watervliet. He was also an avid golfer where he enjoyed golfing at Indian Lake Golf Course and Hampshire Golf Course.
Russ will always be remembered for his love for golf, cruising the Caribbean and his amazing cooking. He was a barbecue enthusiast. His passion for the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers created everlasting bonds with his friends and family. Russ traveled hours to be the best cheerleader in the crowd at his grandkids sporting events. He also enjoyed many years of refereeing for the MHSAA, where his love for sports continued to shine through. Russ loved everything about life and his deep love for his family and friends was immeasurable. His lasting impression will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Russ is survived by his wife of 33 years, Norma Eftink; his children, Bryan (Laura) Eftink and Rebecca (Patrick) Barry; grandchildren, Luke & Emma Eftink and Logan & Aubrey Barry; siblings, David (Katherine) Eftink, Robyn Bybee, Susan (Gary) Kluesner, James (Carol) Eftink and Ronald (Lisa) Eftink. Russ was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Joann Eftink.
A prayer service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, from 12PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Russ was born on November 30, 1954, to Joseph & Joann (Praul) Eftink in Cape Girardeau, MO. He graduated from Watervliet High School and continued his education at Lake Michigan College. Russ worked in multiple management positions, most recently retiring from Burnette Foods Inc. in Hartford, MI. On January 26, 1991, Russ married Norma (Ollhoff) Kirkpatrick in St. Joseph. Russ was a member of the St. Joseph Lions Club, Economic Club and Knights of Columbus in Watervliet. He was also an avid golfer where he enjoyed golfing at Indian Lake Golf Course and Hampshire Golf Course.
Russ will always be remembered for his love for golf, cruising the Caribbean and his amazing cooking. He was a barbecue enthusiast. His passion for the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers created everlasting bonds with his friends and family. Russ traveled hours to be the best cheerleader in the crowd at his grandkids sporting events. He also enjoyed many years of refereeing for the MHSAA, where his love for sports continued to shine through. Russ loved everything about life and his deep love for his family and friends was immeasurable. His lasting impression will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Russ is survived by his wife of 33 years, Norma Eftink; his children, Bryan (Laura) Eftink and Rebecca (Patrick) Barry; grandchildren, Luke & Emma Eftink and Logan & Aubrey Barry; siblings, David (Katherine) Eftink, Robyn Bybee, Susan (Gary) Kluesner, James (Carol) Eftink and Ronald (Lisa) Eftink. Russ was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Joann Eftink.
A prayer service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, from 12PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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