Obituary of Russell Bernard Lynn

Russell B. Lynn, of Birch Run, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Hoyt Nursing and Rehab Center. 

Russ was born in Crookston, Minnesota, on September 17, 1943, to the late Russel and Bernice (Rosten) Lynn. He married his wife, Darlene McRae, on August 28^th, 1965, in Birch Run, Michigan, and spent 56 wonderful years together until her passing on October 23, 2021. Together, they were blessed with 5 children, Mark (Ida) Lynn, Mathew (Christy) Lynn, Patty Lynn, Michael (Jessica) Lynn, and Wendy (Troy) Batterbee; 9 grandchildren, Kristopher Lynn, Brandon (Lissa) Lynn, Robin (Isaiah) Leek, Justin Lynn, Kyle Lynn, Orion Lynn, Isaiah Lynn, and Eden Lynn; and 6 great-grandchildren Abbi, Aalonah, Maverick, Lyla, Jamie, and Annabelle. 

Russ grew up in Montrose with his parents and three sisters, Rosie, Bobbi, and Renae. He spent many summers in Torch Lake with his grandparents fishing, hunting, and causing mischief. He graduated from Montrose High School in 1961 and joined the Navy, where he served in Iceland and Puerto Rico. He met Darlene after his military service and married soon after. They were blessed with a new baby boy, Mark, in 1967, then Matthew in 1972, Michael in 1977, and Wendy in 1978. They adopted Patty in 1989. 

Russ worked at General Motors’ Malleable Iron plant in Saginaw for 37 years, starting shortly after he was married, in 1966. He served in the Michigan National Guard for 20 years after he was honorably discharged from the Navy.  He was a deacon at Saginaw Bay Church of Christ where he and his family attended, working with the audio and technical team.  He became involved with a men’s Bible study and attended Promise Keepers at the Silverdome that ignited his heart for the Lord. He served as an ambassador for the Promise Keepers in central Michigan for many years.  He was ordained and served as a chaplain at Saginaw’s Covenant Hospital where he met with many people and shared God’s peace during their hospital stay. He loved to hunt and fish and would even drive out on the bay in the winter to find an open hole in the ice.  He loved to play cards; his favorite games were Hearts and Cribbage which he played with his sons and grandsons whenever he got the chance. He served as an usher at Hopevale, meeting and greeting people at the door.  After Dar passed in 2021, he began volunteering in the office at Hopevale, answering phones, meeting people at the door and accepting deliveries.  Russ hardly knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone.  He lived a life of service and was loved by everyone who knew him. 

Russ was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his mother and father-in-law, his sister Renae, brother-in-law Bob Jungerheld, brother-in-law Mike McRae, and brother-in-law Francis McRae. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hopevale Church, 4873 N. Center Road, Saginaw, MI.  Pastor Josh Pardee will be officiating.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Hopevale Church. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.