He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Tresa Crumley Kenkel. He is also survived by his 2 children and their families: Ryan Russell & Jennifer Kenkel; Kara & Toby Jorgensen, Tobin & Maddox. He is the son of the late Emil John Kenkel and Carmen Marie Kenkel of Defiance, Iowa and is preceded in death by his siblings Martin Kenkel and Bonnie Kenkel. He is survived by his siblings Phyllis Mikels, Mary Claussen, and John Kenkel; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Rus was born and raised in Defiance IA. Following graduation from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, he began his 30-year career with Ford Motor Company which brought him to Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, he was a veteran of the US Army, serving in Vietnam. Following his retirement from Ford, he volunteered his time at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. Rus enjoyed running-especially the Peachtree Road Race, cars, amateur photography and Atlanta Braves baseball. He was a devout Catholic and member of the Catholic Church of St. Ann’s for over 40 years. One of his greatest joys was spending time and sharing his love of baseball with his 2 grandsons who lovingly called him “Bo”.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 30, 2019 at the Catholic Church of St. Ann. Immediately following Mass, the family will receive friends at a reception in Nolan Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation in Rus’ name to Amy’s Place (amysplace.net) or the Lewy Body Dementia Organization (www.lbda.org).
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