Russell Menefee

Russell Menefee, also known as Pops, also known as Fudge

Russell Menefee, a citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (Waganakising Odawa), was born on November 3, 1948, and walked on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026.

Russell was preceded in death by his mother Rose, his father Robert, his sister Marceline, and his brother Robert Jr. He is survived by his sisters Michelle, Marcetta, Marcella, Melissa, and Victoria, and his brother Phillip. He was the proud father of Chris, Russell, Raymond, and Linda; a grandfather and great-grandfather; and an uncle to many who knew him simply as family.

Russell was a survivor in every sense of the word. He served two tours in Vietnam, carrying the lasting impacts of war throughout his life. He was a boarding school survivor, as were his sisters. Although Russell was not alive during the Burt Lake Burnout, he and his family lived with the lasting and intergenerational effects of that injustice. These experiences shaped his strength, his humor, and his deep understanding of people. They did not harden him; they deepened his capacity for connection.

He was a teacher to many and a friend to most. Russell had a way of making people feel welcomed, understood, and never forgotten. Whether you ran into him at a pow-wow, a local watering hole or found yourself on a spontaneous car ride with him and his family, time with Russell was always full of laughter, stories, and movement.

Russell had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. His infectious laugh and his music will continue to live on in the memories of all who knew him. He lived fully, loved fiercely, and leaves behind a legacy of resilience, humor, and connection carried forward through his children, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched.

Baamaapii gii-waabamin.

(We don’t say goodbye. We will see you again.)