Russell Joshua Doerfer

Russell Joshua Doerfer, aged 91, who had a long-time career on the railroad and always loved to travel, caught the midnight train to Paradise on November 28, 2016. He was born on May 12, 1925 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan to Victor Doerfer and Imogene Josephine (Reid) Doerfer.

Russell was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, daughter Anne Pasquino, granddaughter Julie Dykhouse, brothers Eldon, Richard and John and sisters Mary Doerfer, Julia Mrazek, Rose Gaffield and Geraldine Malin. He is survived by his children Kathy Doerfer, Viroqua, WI, Eric Doerfer, East Grand Rapids and Joan (John) Dykhouse, Jenison; grandchildren Justin Dykhouse, Joshua (Sara) Dykhouse, Erika and Nicholas Pasquino; great-granddaughter Josephine Dykhouse; sisters Jean Cybinski, Ellen Doerfer, and Violet Robinson.

Russell grew up on a farm in central Michigan. He joined the National Guard in 1942 and the Army Air Force in 1943. After being discharged from the military, he moved to Grand Rapids where he met Phyllis and was married on his birthday in 1951. In 1954 he hired on with the C&O Railroad where he worked as a conductor and brakeman until his retirement in 1986. Russell and Phyllis took many trips throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico in their motor home. He was a collector of antique cars and enjoyed participating in many auto shows and parades. Russell will be remembered for his loyalty to family and love of story telling. His grandchildren were the light of his life. His faith was abiding, as was his reverence and awe of all God’s Creation.

Graveside service and burial took place at Floral View Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.cookcares.com. The family would like to offer their gratitude to the staff of Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living Center and Spectrum Health Hospice for the loving care that Russell received in the last weeks of his life.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Sheldon Meadows or Spectrum Health Hospice.

Blessed be the memory of Russell Joshua Doerfer.