Milford Francis “Mike” Pelland, 88 of Russell died Monday morning, November 4, 2013 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Mike was born July 10, 1925 in Clyde, Kansas, the son of Willard and Edna (Roy) Pelland.  He grew up in Clyde and graduated from Clyde High School.  After school, Mike joined the U.S. Navy.  He served his country during WWII where he was stationed at Pearl Harbor. 

Mike was united in marriage to Mildred H. Mosher on November 7, 1943 in Beloit, Kansas.  This union was blessed with four children; Jack, Shirley, Kathy and Debra.  Mildred preceded him in death on September 6, 2002.

Mike started working for the Kansas Power & Light Company following the war.  During the early 50’s Mike and his family moved to St. John, Kansas.  Then he was transferred to Russell, Kansas in 1958 where he worked until his retirement in 1987 as manager of the Russell office.

Mike was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240.  When Mike was not working or spending time with family he enjoyed fishing and camping.

Surviving family include his daughters, Shirley Crawford (Lee) of Bunker Hill, Kansas, Kathy Bray (George) and Debra Wehling (Ron) all of Russell, Kansas; son, Jack Pelland (Patti) of Topeka, Kansas; sister, Lila Cleveland of Concordia, Kansas; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Mildred.

Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with Fr. Charles Steier officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell.  Military Rites will be conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard.  A memorial has been established to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.