Russell E Prins

Born and raised in Holland, MI, Russ graduated from Holland High School class of 1959. In 1963 he graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. In 1966 he graduated from Stanford Law School, Palo Alto, CA, with a Juris Doctor and was admitted to practice law. Russ served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969.

He worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the Michigan Department of Attorney General from April 1970 to November 2010. He was well-regarded by his colleagues, working initially in the Natural Resources Division and later serving as Division Chief of the Revenue and Collections Division.

Russ was an avid bicyclist, annually participating in the Holland 100 bike tour with his brother throughout his adulthood. He loved telling stories of his family history and sharing his vast knowledge of world history while spending time with family and friends. In addition, he enjoyed photography, daily crossword puzzles, reading, and playing and watching golf. Russ embraced life and was a kind and devoted husband, father and opa who will be dearly missed.

For many years he volunteered his time to the Greater Lansing Amateur Hockey Association, serving as president for two years. It was always important for him to donate blood to the Red Cross, which he did consistently for many years.

Russ was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas E and Jane Prins of Holland, MI; and his brother-in-law, Edward Barletta of North Reading, MA.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha Noice Prins of East Lansing, MI; daughter, Katherine (Rik) Fitton of Okemos, MI; son, Andrew Prins of East Lansing, MI; sisters Mary Barletta of North Reading, MA, and Jane (Mike) Emery of East Lansing, MI; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Noice of East Lansing, MI, and Jane (Randy) Marwede of Lansing, MI; granddaughter, Gwyneth Fitton of Okemos, MI; and a niece and nephew.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St. Martha's Catholic Church, 1100 W Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI 48864, Father Michael Murray presiding. Following Mass, Russell will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2520 W Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917.

Donations in Russell's memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030, https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ or to Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1215 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912, https://secure.qgiv.com/for/spaheasys/