BESSEMER, Mich. – Russell W. Nyman, 84, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2022.

Russ was born on Nov. 26, 1937, in Bessemer, a son of Clifford and Vienna (Tyni) Nyman. He attended Ramsay and Bessemer Schools.

Russ belonged to the National Guard and then joined the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and a lifetime member of the Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673.

When he returned home, Russ married Evelyn Tusa. They raised a family of four children, Brenda (Mark) Mattson, Wendy (Phil) Meldrum, Clifford and Rusty (Penny). Russ loved his family with all his heart.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, in 2012; a son, Clifford, in 1980; and two brothers, John and Richard.

Russ is survived by his three children, Brenda, Wendy and Rusty; a brother, Robert (Pat); several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends and neighbors.

Russ was a well-known truck driver for many local companies.

He loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting and camping with his family and friends. One of his favorite places to be was his Camp Cowabunga, making many special memories with his family. He loved to play cribbage and card games, enjoyed bowling and belonged to several leagues. Russ loved the Green Bay Packers and watched them faithfully. He was a member of the Bessemer Township Volunteer Fire Department.

In the fall of 2018, Russ and his daughter, Wendy, were lucky enough to go on the U.P. Honor Flight to Washington D.C. It was a momentous event.

Russ was a member of Marty's Goldennaires for several years. He enjoyed the friendships of all the members. He loved to dance. Russ would dance with anyone anywhere as long as the music was playing.

He was a very kind man with quite a sense of humor. He absolutely loved life.

Russ had five grandchildren that he truly loved. They would call him "Bumpa." Jason (Holly) Mattson, Justin (Heather) Mattson, Clifford (Rachele) Meldrum, Kaleena (Chad) Radniecki and Cody Nyman. Russ had seven great-grandchildren that he adored, Carter and Alanah Mattson, Hailee and Lynsey Mattson, Violet and June Radniecki and Brody Nyman. They would call him "great-Bumpa" and that's truly who he was.

The family would like to thank the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain for their outstanding, kind and compassionate care they gave our dad for the past two years. He absolutely loved all the staff. They were his other family.

Russ will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Rest in Peace, Dad, and keep smiling and dancing.

There will be a celebration of Russ' life on Saturday, April 9, beginning at 4 p.m., at the Bessemer VFW Post 3673.

A graveside service, with military honors, will take place at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer, in the spring.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. To send online condolences please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.