LELAND – Russell Donald Egeler, 70, of Leland, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026 at Munson Medical Center.

Russell was born April 21, 1956 in Traverse City the son of Harold and Lorraine (Goos) Egeler. After graduating from Leland High School, Russell joined the Army. Upon his honorable discharge he attended Concordia Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri and then served as pastor at Immanual Lutheran Church in Daykin, Nebraska. After serving in Daykin for several years, Russell returned to Leland.

He will be remembered for his deep faith and service to God, his love of family and his artistic skills.

Russell is survived by his three siblings, Esther (Mark) Send, Linda Palmitier, Kenneth Egeler, his nieces and nephews, Kelli (Jason) Schultz, Andy (Melissa) Send, Trisha (Buddy) Kurjiaka, Heather (John) Kreucher, Wesley (Teagan) Egeler; his great nieces and nephews, Kevin, Rachel, Blake and Mary Schultz, Benjamin Kurjiaka and Luke Egeler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lorriane Egeler and a brother, Steven D. Egeler.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at the Immanual Lutheran Church of Leland. A luncheon will follow the service and burial in Beechwood Cemetery will commence at 1:30 PM. Pastor Mark Philp will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to Immanual Lutheran Church, PO Box 602, Leland, MI 49654 and/or the Leland Township Fire and Rescue, PO Box 578, Leland, MI 49654.

Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.