Russell Duane "Russ" Bortell

Russell Duane "Russ" Bortell, of Battle Creek, at the age of 63, went on to coach again, after losing his battle with cancer at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence on Friday, January 29, 2021.

Russ was born in Hillsdale, Michigan the son of Roland Duane "Ron" and Marian Jean (Norris) Bortell. His childhood was idyllic, growing up on a farm in Jonesville, MI. He was taught manners, values of right vs. wrong and how to treat others, which contributed to his love of people and coaching. He graduated from Jonesville High School, where he competed in numerous sports. Bortell played intercollegiate baseball at Glen Oaks Community College, the University of Texas-El Paso and Spring Arbor University. He graduated from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor's Degree in education, and was first employed at Pennfield to run the in-school-suspension program. He loved being able to teach young athletes the game of baseball and aspired to eventually coach at a higher level. In 1987, a young Bortell while at Pennfield High school, was approaced by a member of KCC's board of trustees asked him to coach baseball for the Bruins, making his dream a reality.


While at KCC, he met Michele Lee "Micki" Embury. They were married November 30, 1990. Surviving are his wife, Micki; son, Cameron R. Bortell of Battle Creek; his parents, Ron and Marian Bortell of Jonesville; three sisters, Cynthia (Michael) Chapman of Wasilla, Alaska, Denise (Michael) Briggs of Jonesville, Valerie (Jeff) Neeb of Milwaukee; two sisters-in-law, Janet (Tom) Lupke of Jerome, Karen (Don) White of Augusta and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.


Russ coached KCC to multiple conference championships and set the then-school record for wins in a season with 46 in 2005. He also served two stints in USA Baseball, including being an assistant coach for the 1993 U.S. Junior National team. Beyond the college baseball world, Bortell was a player and a coach for summer baseball teams in Battle Creek, including Behnke/Bud and HBC for 20-plus seasons, competing in several Stan Musial World Series events and NABF World Series tournaments. He is also a member of the Battle Creek Baseball Wall of Fame. Russ played his first Roy Hobbs Field of Dreams tournament in 1997 and was hooked He and Micki would rent housing for a week, then two weeks and eventually four and five weeks. Ft Myers became their home away from home. Micki did not miss many games and Russ did not miss many dates with Micki. While it is rare for Russ to talk about his own baseball achievements (and there are many), he did enjoy talking about umpiring games with his son, Cameron R. Bortell. He was honored with a 30 year officiating award by MHSAA. His #35 baseball jersey was retired by KCC in a 2011. He was also active in the NJCAA, the NABF with Stan Musial and later the NABF WS. He loved his Lady Bruins teams and coaching volleyball, softball and basketball. He was also a member and former board member of the former Pennfield Exchange Club.


He loved the early mornings and after retiring from KCC, Russ worked at Binder Park Golf Course, enjoying being outdoors, mowing the greens and watching the wildlife. Russ loved working in his yard, the challenge of gardening and making things grow. He was a great friend, a fierce competitor, he expected you to do your best and to treat people with respect. During his illness, his love of people was reflected in other's acts of kindness. His cousins helping to bring Russ home from Florida, his longtime officiating friend, Rev. Cary Grant, mentoring his family through Russ' illness and his final days; his coaching colleagues, players, sports-writers and his former KCC family all sharing what a wonderful friend, person, player, coach, mentor, ambassador and role model Russ exemplified.


A service to celebrate Russ life will be held later at Bailey Park when it is safe for all his family and friends to gather and share their love and Russ' legacy.


Memorial contributions in memory of Russ may be made to the Coach Russ Bortell Memorial Scholarship at Kellogg Community College, 450 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017, or online at http://www.kellogg.edu/foundation/donate. Personal stories of Russ or messages for his family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.