Russell Loutzenhiser, Jr.

Russell Loutzenhiser, Jr.’s memorial services will be held 2:00pm, Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Hemet Valley Mortuary.

All who knew him are invited. Age 87, Russ was a long time resident of Idyllwild and passed away peacefully at the side of his wife of 66 years, on March 17 in Palm Springs.

Born in Kendallville, Indiana on May 17, 19121 to a family of three brothers and five sisters. He was a Purple Heart Veteran of World War II and the Invasion of Normandy. He is a proud member of American Legion Post 800 in Idyllwild.

His true passion, however, was softball. He built several softball diamonds in his lifetime, from 1945 in Europe to Indiana and California, including the diamond at Idyllwild school, and started dozens of leagues and teams.

He is best remembered on the hill for getting hundreds of people involved in his favorite sport, and continued playing into his seventies.

He was preceded in death by his son, Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, U.S.F.S.

Russel is survived by his wife, Ella Pauline “Polly” Loutzenhiser; his daughters, Cheryl Brown and husband Howard, Beth Pachman and husband Steve; son, Michael Loutzenhiser and wife Sue, Mark’s wife Maria; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

John Rowe, Director (951) 658-4433