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Russell Schestag, (Santa) went to be with his Lord, November 8, 2009. Russ and wife Marion (Visser), of Sand Lake , served as Santa and Mrs. Claus for businesses and organizations in Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, and Newaygo counties for twenty six years. Russ gave the gift of himself year around; to his country by serving in the Marine Corp for 13 years, and through appointment as the first clerk for the Food Stamp Program in Craven County , North Carolina , to family and friends, and to Ensley Township as a driving force for the development of the Ensley Nature Preserve.  He is survived by his wife Marian Schestag of Sand Lake, his daughters Kristen & Earl Fisk of Pierson, Melissa & Jason Hill of Whitwell, TN, Melissa & Bill Simonson of Ada, 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, his sisters Evelyn & Robert Westerhouse of Florida and Marilyn & Phil Workema of Caledonia. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12 at Pierson Bible Church from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a Celebration of Life service at 1:00pm.  Interment will be at Crandall Cemetery .  In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the Russ Schestag memorial set up at Choice One Bank.

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