Russell P. Luttinen
GRAWN, MI — Russell “Russ” P. Luttinen, 85, of Grawn, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at his home. Russ was born on May 9, 1938, in Mass City, Michigan to the late Otto and Mayme (Kulppi) Luttinen. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Carole Juntunen on September 5, 1959, in Hancock, Michigan.
Russ graduated from Hancock High School in 1956 where he earned seven varsity letters in alpine skiing, football and track. He competed in collegiate alpine skiing while attending Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1960, with a Batchelor’s degree in Education. He later earned a Master’s degree in Secondary Education Administration from Wayne State University. Russ began his career in education as a math teacher in Traverse City in 1960. In 1966 he moved to teach in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. From 1968-1970 he left education to be General Manager at Cliff’s Ridge ski area in Marquette, Michigan and head coach of the Northern Michigan University ski team. Later in 1970, he returned to Grosse Pointe, where he served at Grosse Pointe South High School in teaching and administration, retiring as Assistant Principal in 2000.
Russ also was a successful high school skiing coach. From 1962 to 1966, he coached five straight State of Michigan skiing state championships for the Traverse City High School ski teams. He was named Michigan High School State Skiing Coach of the Year in 1965 and 1966 and was inducted into the Grand Traverse Ski Club Hall of Fame in 2018. His love for skiing continued until the age of 80. Among his other interests, Russ enjoyed deer hunting with family and friends in the beautiful woods of northern Michigan.
He was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was past president of St. Clair Shores Lions Club and the Sun Plaza West Condominium Association in Anna Maria Island, Florida. He loved his family and attended all school graduations and many events and activities.
Russ is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carole, his son, Lindsey (Kelly) Luttinen and his daughter, Summer Kolka, and five grandchildren: Nathan Kolka, Sarah (Jeff) Wilson, Megan (Joshua) Essensa, Rebecca Luttinen and Luke Luttinen. He also is survived by a great-grandson, Clark Wilson, a brother-in-law, Jerry (Karyn) Juntunen and many extended family members. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Luttinen.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1050 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City, Michigan 49686. Pastor Paul Busekist will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to one of the following: Love Thy Neighbor, 1109 E. Front St., Traverse City, Michigan 49686; Goodwill Inn, 2943 N. Keystone Rd., Traverse City, Michigan 49686; or Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy #3325, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Russell’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family appreciates all the services Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services has provided.