Russell Bommer

Everyone who knew Russell Bommer will remember his easy smile and familiar laugh. His sense of humor could brighten a room. No matter the difficulties ahead, Russell always kept a positive attitude. He was a true family man, brimming with devotion and care for his mother, children, and grandkids.

The year 1935 marked the height of the Great Depression. Despite the implementation of several New Deal programs, from the Civilian Conservation Corps to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the unemployment rate was still high. Everywhere people were struggling, but amidst this time of difficulty, the Bommer family found happiness in the blessing of their only child Russell.

Russell was born on June 19, 1935 in Petoskey, Michigan. His father traveled around a lot because he made his living as a chef. When he was still young, his parents agreed to a separation. Russell settled in with his mother in Otsego. He loved the outdoors, and he passed his free time by involving himself with the boy scouts. His favorite trip, a camping outing in Filmont, New Mexico for which he'd raised money. He was an active and eager member, who would make the rank of Eagle Scout and later become a troop leader.

Upon graduating from high school in Otsego in the year 1954, Russell found work in several different places. His mother opened a diner called the Nifty Restaurant in downtown Otsego and Russell would help out when not working elsewhere.While he busied himself with earning a living, he also found time to pursue a marriage with Frances Wiggins. In November of the same year he graduated high school, he took Frances's hand in marriage. Though their union would not last, Russell was blessed with the births of five children. Russell provided for his family with an assortment of jobs. He started out at Macsimbar mill and then moved on to become a driver for the Colonial Bakery. His children remember him returning home from his route smelling of fresh bread.

Russell later remarried, finding love with Sue Simmons. Their union brought him two step-children, and they also had two more children together. During this time, Russell and his wife lived in Bronson and he began an RC Cola Distributing Company. He stayed in the beverage business and later became a truck driver for Albion Beverage.

During the time that Russell dedicated to his personal enjoyment, you could usually find him at the racetrack. Racing was a huge part of his life, and whether he was in the car, on the track, or simply in the stands, he enjoyed himself. From 1955-1970 he raced sprint and stock cars. He mainly raced in Kalamazoo, but he also traveled to Ohio and Wisconsin for their races. When he stopped racing, he took up photography and captured many pictures from the races. He also photographed hot air balloons. With such an interest in racing, he always filled his house with all sorts of car memorabilia. His children often joked about one of his favorite cars--the skunk car.

While Russell was blessed with a lot in his life, he also had his share of serious challenges. One of the most trying came when he was diagnosed with cancer. Always a strong personality with a good sense of humor, he managed to overcome his illness. However, just as he received his bill of health, he was involved in a serious accident--a car struck him as he was crossing the street. As an odd coincidence, his faithful companion, a Beagle named Lady, was also struck by a car the day before him. The injuries Russell sustained hindered him throughout the remainder of his life, despite the physical therapy he endured and the small triumphs he overcame. While the battle toward recovery was challenging, Russell maintained his good sense of humor.

Throughout his life, Russell was always an animal lover. He would take his dog Lady on walks into town everyday. He filled his home with cats, dogs, all creatures. He cared for them as if they were his children.

Russell always remained close to his mother. As she approached her older years, she moved in with Russell. He took care of her for several years, and he always made the extra effort to please her. On Easter he and the children would all dress up in their nicest clothing, because his mother loved the sight of her son and grandkids in formal clothes.

When Russell grew older and found himself blessed with grandchildren of his own, he spent as much time as he could with these newest members of the family. He truly loved his grandkids, and any time the opportunity presented itself, he would take them out for a nice stroll together.

Russell will be remembered for his good attitude and his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed and frequently remembered by the many who loved him.

Russell died December 22, 2004 in Coopersville. Learn more about Russell, visit with his family and view his Life Story Film from 2-4 & 6-8 PM on Monday at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, where his service will be held on Tuesday at 11 AM. His family includes his children: Russell & Deborah Bommer of Otsego, Dennis Bommer of Otsego, Jeanne Smith of Plainwell, Franny & Jerry Laster of Plainwell, Sally Bommer & Tony Hicks of Coloma, Bambi Smith of Sturgis, Robin Dean of Quincy, and step-children: Tresa Hinton of Pleasant Lake and Ronnie Simmons of California; 20 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. Please visit Russell’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or make a memorial donation to Boy Scouts of America or the USAC Benevolent Fund, for injured race car drivers and their families.