Russell Allen Peck

Russell Allen Peck, 68, died at home near East Jordan, MI on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. He was born on February 17, 1956, in Charlevoix, MI, the son of Lyle “Pee Wee” and Delight (Lewis) Peck.

Russ graduated from East Jordan High School in 1974 and moved on to study Speech Therapy at Northern Michigan University.

Over his lifetime, Russ walked down many professional paths with the intention of fostering love, kindness, community, connectedness, empathy, and a darn good time. He dedicated much of himself to the Grandvue Medical Care Facility residents, starting as a Patient Aide in high school and retiring as a certified Laughter Specialist Activities Aide on April 8, 2020. His proud identity as a Laughter Specialist was earned when Russ graduated from the Gesundheit Institute, founded by Patch Adams. Working with Patch Adams was a distinguished honor for Russell and empowered him to practice the art of Laughology with everyone in his life. His jokes definitely made it into the FUncle (fun uncle) Hall of Fame.

As a longtime public servant, Russ served as an East Jordan City Commissioner and Mayor for nearly 22 years. His work with the city began in 1988, when he was asked to fill the position of an outgoing Commissioner. Over his extensive career in East Jordan city government, Mr. Peck shared this early noteworthy moment of community pride: “Back when I was here the first time around, East Jordan was known as the fastest-growing city in Michigan, and that was something I’ll treasure.” Russ was proud to be an active community member and a contributing factor in the expansion of East Jordan, as he wanted to share his beautiful city with the world. He was a long-time member of the Jaycee’s nonprofit organization. Russ was a founding board member of the first Miss East Jordan patent. He also served on the Freedom Festival board for many years and organized the parades while he was an active committee member.

Russ was East Jordan’s ‘Santa Claus’ for 30 years and took this responsibility very seriously. He not only rode into town on one of the city’s firetrucks kicking off the holiday season, but he also promised each child they would find something special under their Christmas tree. He loved to see their smiles and hear their laughter as they overflowed his happiness cup over and over. Russ was also a very beloved licensed marriage officiatant, and these moments brought him the greatest joy. Witnessing and confirming love was such a special and sacred tradition for Russ because he believed love is one of the greatest gifts from our Father in Heaven that brings the truest form of happiness.

If anyone knew Russ, they knew his love of sports. He was an avid Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions fan jumping at the chance to go to a game anytime he could. He was a Michigan State Spartans fan too! He enjoyed local sporting events for East Jordan and Gaylord High Schools – especially Gaylord Blue Devil hockey and East Jordan Red Devil basketball.

Russ was an East Jordan Community Church member and a faithful servant of God. The fellowship and teachings from Rev. Jason Richey were always so special to Russ. He would often happily share his excitement about how his pastor and church family were “just so awesome.” Supporting the youth at church and in his community was always a top consideration for Russ, and seeing this prioritized at church made his heart sing.

Russ is survived by his dog Darlene, two brothers, Wayne Peck and Gerald “Jay” (Autumn Vousboukis) Peck, both of East Jordan; seven nieces and nephews who were also always his children, Stephanie (Kirby) Peck-Buchanan, Felicia Burks, Elizabeth Peck, Josh Peck, Taylor Hand, Ted (Kelsey) Peck, Jarica Peck and Nicholas (Rheanna) Peck; eleven great-nieces and nephews, Kristina, Bradley, Camron, Emma, Christian, Rosalie, Ryker, Anthony, Jocelyn, Zander, Lainey; honorary niece and nephew MaryJane and Andrew Orta-Garcia; special friends, Kevin and Susan Russell and family; as well as his special friend, Mary Black.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth Wayne Peck and Christopher Glen Peck.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in East Jordan, MI.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at the Lighthouse Missionary Church, East Jordan. Rev. Jason Richey of the East Jordan Community Church will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to The Depot Jordan Valley Teen Center in East Jordan.

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