Russ was a tremendous professional but a better friend and mentor. I never heard a negative word said about him. I remember when I worked as a student at the old Department of Commerce many years ago and he always stopped and said hello. It was an honor to have known him.

Sue, We are so sorry to learn of Russel's recent passing. There is surely a void in Spartan coaching.   Gene & Mary O'Connor  

Dearest Sue,

I met your Russ for the first time at your home for the Meridian Garden Club's holiday luncheon. You were both the most gracious of hosts opening your home year after year until we just became too big.

What struck me most that first meeting was the way you looked at each other usually when the other wasn't looking. It was a beautiful mix of love, mutual respect and happiness. As the millennials say,  #relationshipgoals

I'm so very sorry for you loss, your family's and everyone who's lives he touched. Sending light and love to you and yours.

Love,
Jodie Szalankiewicz

I will always remember our trip to play Golf in Scotland. Russel organaized the trip and we played all of the very best that Scotland has to offer.
He was a real Gentleman and one of the great people I have known.
A wonderful Family man.
God Bless him.
JD 

Russ was as fine a person as I've been fortunate to call a friend.  He was an inspiration to every one he came in contact with. "He got it".

Dear Sue,
So sorry to hear of Russ's passing.  He will be missed and we always enjoyed cheering on our Spartans together.   Please know you and your family are in our prayers.

Dennis & Tami Hamilton
Spartan Sports Tours

Dear Sue,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I know you from the time you taught pre-school at Pennway.


Dear Susan and family,   On behalf of the ELHS Class of 1958 I would want you to know how much we admired and respected your Russ.   Many of us knew him as a Bailey Elementary school classmate and then into our high school years.  We have a wonderful collection of memories from those years and will carry them forward keeping Russ alive in our hearts.
Please accept our sympathy for your loss and know that the loss is shared by his friends and
classmates.

The finest neighbor a family could ever have.  We are all so grateful to have known him.

Bill, Mary, Angela, Valerie and James Gray

Thinking of you Sue and your family. I didn't get a chance to tell Russ about my successful surgery with Dr. Hornbach, but more importantly, that Dr. Hornbach told me what an awesome man he was. I couldn't agree more. Everything I've read about his kindness and calmness is so very true and the two of you were a joy to be around. I will miss seeing him at Rebounders and at the games and will think of my last conversation with him often. It is fitting that Russ donated to The Gift of Life. He was always a giving person whose example we should all follow.

It goes without saying, Russ was loved by everyone who worked with him at the Bureau.  He was special to me in that he hired me back in 1971.  He was a "model" executive and inspiration to everyone.

Russ was a good friend and mentor for 30 years.  We shared a passion for both golf and sports memorabilia, traveling together to cities like St. Louis, Cleveland, and Chicago for memorabilia shows and always playing golf along the way.  For the last nine years, I've had the distinct pleasure of sitting with Russ and Sue for all the home Michigan State basketball games, and Russ was one of the most loyal, courteous, and even-tempered fans I've ever met.  He had a very positive impact on my life, setting a wonderful example of faith, character, modesty, loyalty, and kindness to everyone he met.  I'm a much better person for knowing Russ, and I'll think of my friend every day for the rest of my life.  Heaven is a little brighter this week now that Russ is home!
And, one more time for you, Russ---GO GREEN!    

A gentle giant and a friend for over sixty years.

Russ was a humble, modest Gentleman who was not one to discuss personal accomplishments of which there are many. He will be missed.  Rest in peace my friend and may God bless Sue and her family.
Ralph and Joyce Morr

Russ was my boss, my mentor and my friend.  He affected untold lives by his example.  He will be greatly missed.  My condolences to Sue and his family.

Sue and kids, 
Russ was the kindest, most loving, generous, and faithful friend we know. Our hearts ache for you all and for all of us who knew and love him too.  Please take comfort in knowing that he is in the loving arms of the Lord.  We will keep you in our prayers. 

❤️Art and Patsy

Simply said, Russ was the very best.  Sympathies to Sue and the family.

My condolences to Sue and the family.  I had the good fortune to work with Russ for many years.  He was always a kind and gentle man.  He taught me, and others, so much. He taught me the "tummy test."  If it did not feel right (in the tummy), don't do it. 

He loved his work, golf, the Michigan State Spartans and especially his family.   He was a trusted friend.    His wisdom will live on.  His contributions to the State of Michigan, the banking and credit union communities, and others,  were second to none.

Godspeed, Russ.

OBITUARY

Russell Stuart Kropschot

September 20, 1940 – February 27, 2019

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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