Age 80, passed away on Sunday April 3, 2005. He was born on May 21, 1924 in Portland the son of Frederick W. and Amey (Barber) Russman. Fritz was a very active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, serving as an usher for many years, served on the School Board, the Finance Council, the Parish Council, and the Athletic Association, and because of his dedication and years of service to St. Patrick's Parish, Fritz was the 2004 recipient of the Father Flohe Foundation Education Bell Award. He was a Past Grand Knight of the Portland Knights of Columbus Council #2168 and was a 4th Degree member of the Fr. Godez Assembly. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving as a medic in the United States Army where he received a purple heart and Silver Star and was a member of the Portland VFW Post #4090. Fritz was an avid sports supporter of the St. Patrick's Shamrocks and was involved with the Portland Little League for 40 years being the President for 30 years. He retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation after over 35 years of service and continued serving the community of Portland on the Portland City Council, the Planning Commission and the Library Expansion Fund.. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Julaine Russman; son, Frederick J. Russman, Jr.; brothers, Bob and Ferdinand Russman. Surviving are his children, Joan M. (Michael Scochin) Russman of Lyons, Bill (Barbara) Russman of Charlotte, NC, Mary Russman of Portland, Bonnie (Pat) Dawdy of Zeeland, Connie (Todd) Droste of Portland, and Robert Russman of Portland; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; special friend, his dog Duke. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Portland with the Rev. Larry King, presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at Portland Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Portland VFW Post #4090. The family will receive friends at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 p.m. Tuesday and 3 p.m. Wednesday. The Scriptural Wake service will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland.