Russell Owen Fife, Jr., 67, passed away suddenly on September 29, 2026. He was born May 23, 1959, in Gary, IN to Russell, Sr. and Theola Fife. He was a 1978 graduate of Hobart High School.

On September 12, 2015, Russ married the love of his life, Karen. During their years together, they were not only husband and wife, but each other’s best friends and “fun buddies.” They loved traveling, exploring new places, and making memories together.

Russ retired from Strack & Van Til in 2019, after 37 years of service.

Russ was an avid golfer, and golf was one of his greatest passions. He was a member of Duck Creek Golf Course, where he and Karen spent countless hours and made some of their favorite memories. One of Russ’s proudest golf moments came when he hit his first and only hole-in-one on Hole 2 at Duck Creek in 2015.

But Duck Creek was about much more than golf to Russ. The people there became a true family and were an important part of both Russ and Karen’s lives. The friendships they built and the memories they shared became some of the most meaningful parts of their life together.

Russ also loved the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, traveling with Karen, a good song, and if you knew Russ, always having a comment to make. He was never far from a joke, an opinion, or a story. And when one of his favorite songs came on, you could probably hear him say, “Turn that shit up!”

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Sr. and Theola Fife; nephews, Robert and Michael; his mother- and father-in-law, Mike and Nancy Pachapa; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Kitchell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his stepdaughter, Emma, and son-in-law, Ryan Johnson; his granddaughter (peanut), Rylie Johnson; his sisters, Lynn Smith and Cheryl Austin; brother, Ralph Pyle, and sister-in-law, Marie; Karen’s sister, Lil Allen, and brother-in-law, Brice; Karen’s brother, Ed Pachapa, and sister-in-law, Susan; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and his Duck Creek family.

Russ will be remembered for his love of golf, the adventures and memories he shared with Karen, his appreciation for a good song, and, most of all, the people he loved and the memories he made with them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Russell’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

Visitation for Russ will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. A funeral service will take place at 4:00 pm at the funeral home. Cremation to follow services. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.

A Celebration of Russ’ Life will also be held on Wednesday from 5–9 p.m. at the Hobart Community Center. Friends and family are welcome to stop by at any time during those hours to share a memory, tell a golf story, or simply spend some time remembering Russ. Whether you can stay for the evening or only have a few minutes to stop in, we would love to see you. In true Russ fashion, please wear your favorite golf attire and come ready to celebrate his life, share stories, and tell your favorite golf memories.