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.
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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