Saturday, August 28, 2021

In Memoriam: Joseph K. Russell

Joseph K. Russell
September 10, 1930 - August 24, 2021
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Joseph K. “Joe” Russell, age 90, of Kankakee, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at his home.

Joe was born September 10, 1930 in Chicago, the son of Joseph & Camille Kvitek Russell.

He married Iola Lehnig on October 31, 1980 in Kankakee.

Joe was a pilot, crop duster, and flight instructor.

He was a member of the VFW. Joe was a quiet birdman. He had a lifetime pass to airshows in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He loved airplanes and was an excellent carpenter.

Joe was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Korea.

Surviving are his wife, Iola Russell of Kankakee; two sons, Joseph & Connie Russell of Park City, UT and Christopher Russell of Texas; four step-sons, Carlo & Tracy Armenise of Las Vegas, NV, Samuel & Barbara Armenise of Fall Brook, CA, Patrick & Linda Armenise of Menifee, CA, and William Armenise of Fort Worth, TX; one brother, Robert & Roberta Russell of Beaverville; one grandson, Joseph “Tray” Russell; four step-grandchildren, Cassandra Armenise, Kristina Holfler, Tony Armenise, and Jason Armenise; nine step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael Russell; and one step-son, Michael Armenise.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home in Kankakee. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021, also at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Beaverville.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Beaverville.

1 comment:

  1. Joe was my neighbor, aviation mentor, flight instructor,A&P, IA,and trusted friend.Some of the very best times of my life were with Joe. Airshows (OshKosh,Lakeland),Cedar Key,airport hangar gatherings,local saloon happy hour with pilots (of whom Joe was mentor &nucleus of),and more. Joe and Iola make this world a better place. Dave Schrettl , Daytona Beach,Fl

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