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Russell Joseph Cree, age 81, of L’Anse, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
Russ was born on December 12, 1944, in Belcourt, North Dakota, the son of Joseph Tobiness and Sylvia Cree. He was raised on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, in Dunseith, North Dakota, by his grandparents, Charlie and Rose Cree. He graduated from Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota.
In search of employment, Russ moved to Pontiac, Michigan, where he met his wife, Augustina Castro. The couple married on April 21, 1964, in Waterford Township, Michigan. Russ began working for Pontiac Motors, later known as General Motors, as a mechanic in the foundry. He dedicated 31 years to the company before retiring. After retirement he moved to Montana, where he worked on a second retirement as an equipment specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Engineering.
In 2015, Russ moved to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he enjoyed the fresh air and friendly atmosphere. The area reminded him of the place where he had grown up and provided a setting he truly appreciated.
Russ was an accomplished and adventurous sportsman who loved a challenge. His many interests included hunting, fishing, big-game hunting, building rifles, and competitive marksmanship, in which he earned numerous awards. In his early years, he enjoyed motorcycle racing at the drag strip and archery, where he achieved championship honors. Among his accomplishments were becoming a state champion in long-range rifle shooting in Kansas and earning numerous prizes in benchrest rifle competition.
A skilled mechanic with a lifelong passion for automobiles, Russ enjoyed restoring classic cars and big block engines. He especially loved muscle cars, with his favorite being a yellow 1969 Dodge Super Bee. Whether working on an engine, pursuing a new challenge, or competing in his favorite sports, Russ embraced life with enthusiasm and determination.
Russ is survived by his wife, Augustina Cree, of L’Anse, Michigan; daughters, Jo-Ellen Cree of Billings, Montana, Monica (Jeff) Hanson of Shepherd, Montana, and Stephanie Cree of Billings, Montana; siblings, Lourelia Martin of Billings, Montana, Roberta (Leland) Lord of Bemidji, Minnesota, and Keith Morin of Fargo, North Dakota; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; brothers, Archie, Walter, and William Morin; and grandson, Raymond Adams Cree.
A memorial service will be held in Billings, Montana, at a later date to be announced.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to the friends and neighbors who offered their help, kindness, and support.
Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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