Russell Dean Switzer

Russell Dean Switzer, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, passed peacefully on April 21, 2017, from complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Born in Clare, Mich., on May 21, 1956, to Mary Jo Harder and Donald Switzer, he was one of five siblings. He is survived by his mother, Mary Jo Harder of Mt. Morris, Mich.; brother and sister-in-law, Randall and Monika Switzer of Wasilla, Alaska; and sisters, Carol Morse and husband Mike, Denise Wilson and husband Myron, and Cathy Amos, all from southeast Michigan. He also leaves behind many other beloved nieces and nephews in Alaska and Michigan; aunts and uncles in Michigan; along with many friends in Alaska and Michigan. Russ was a lifelong plumber and loved his work in the plumbing trade. He worked for Steve's Plumbing in Flint, Mich., for over 25 years, where he obtained his Master Plumber License, and then moved to Wasilla, Alaska, in 2005, and worked at LJ Plumbing & Heating in Wasilla, before his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis shortly after coming to Alaska. Since that time, he had resided at Providence Extended Care in Anchorage, Alaska, where he developed many loving relationships with his caretakers. Russ will be remembered for his quick wit and quiet understanding of life, his great sense of humor despite his illness and his love of all his family members. He will be greatly missed by many. A celebration of life will be held July 1, 2017, in Otisville, Mich., with his family. May you rest in peace. Now you are free. -