Russell John Putnam, Sr.

Russell John Putnam, Sr. of Caro, age 80, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Courtney Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation in Bad Axe. Russ was born December 3, 1944 in Pontiac to the late Mark and Edna (Thompson) Putnam. He went on to work for General Motors for thirty-one and one half years before his retirement. Russ was united marriage with Sharon Barnes on March 20, 1969 in Pontiac and she preceded him in death on November 23, 2020. He was a former member of Fairgrove VFW and enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing in his younger years. Since retirement, Russ enjoyed patrolling the neighborhood and visiting with neighbors. Most important to Russ though was spending time with family, especially the Sunday afternoon barbeques. His favorite thing to do was spoil the grand and great-grandchildren which he had a nickname for each one. Hey Toots!

Left to cherish his memory are his four children and their spouses, Kimberly & Scott Ehrhardt of Chesaning, Connie & James Kurtansky of Clio, Deborah Putnam of Caro, Russell, Jr. & Rachel Putnam of Caro; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one sister, Betty Noechel. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Sharon; granddaughter, Heaven Watson; sister, Marie; brother, Mark.

Russell’s family will gather with friends to celebrate his life from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with a Time of Remembrance at 5:00 led by her grandson, Justin Kurtansky. Cremation will follow the gathering.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family wishes, c/o Deborah Putnam Zahn, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.