Russell C. Scienski

Russell C. Scienski #042, 59, of Coloma, Michigan passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 7:00 P.M., Monday, July 1, 2013 at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Fr. William Jacobs Jr. officiating. Friends may visit from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday, July 1 at the funeral home. The family requests you wear your favorite sports gear-Cubs & Bears preferred- in memory of Russ. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to offset medical costs. Those wishing to sign Russell’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Russell was born February 23, 1954 in Chicago, IL to Mitchell & Helen (Proskin) Scienski. He was a 1972 graduate of Eau Claire High School then went on to play AAA baseball in New York. On May 24, 1975 he married Kathleen ‘Kat’ Kennis in Tonawanda, NY. After 27 years of service as a Deputy Sherriff for Berrien County he retired in 2005. He was a member of the FOP # 96 , the Moose Lodge #1570 and the Caddy Shack Golf League. Russell coached the Coloma-Hagar Little League Baseball Team, was an avid golfer and Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. For the last 25 years he enjoyed his annual trip with his golf buddies to Santee, SC. Russell is survived by his loving wife of 38 years ‘Kat’; children Alison ( fiancée Chris Plaisier) Scienski of Chicago, IL, Ryan (Chelsea) Scienski of St. Joseph; his grandson Nash Plaisier; sister Shirley Gebhardt of San Antonio, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends Bill & Nancy Smith, Laura Healy & Gary Pearson; his adopted family The McSmith’s-Barb, Thomas, Todd & Brad, formerly of Coloma, MI; special coffee buddy Sylvia Budrick; his loyal fur boys-Chance, Cooper and Champion; and friends too numerous to count. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Scienski and brother-in-law Gary Gebhardt.