- Russell Rowell, 67, formerly of Pekin, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at his home. He was born August 25, 1950 in Pekin, Illinois to Vernon I. Rowell and Marilyn Jean (Flick) Rowell. He married Mary Lou Braun on January 10, 1975 in Pekin, Illinois. She survives. Also surviving is one sister Leah (Michael P.) Sipka of Pekin; one niece, Shelly (Chris) Bitner of Edwards, Illinois; one nephew Michael K. Sipka of Pekin; and two great nephews and one great niece. Russell also leaves behind his dear friends Lerry and Sharon Bourasa, who have provided care for him. Lerry and Sharon were honored to be of help to Russ. They said, "He was such a great giver and would help anybody when his health was good. He took care of his wife as long as he absolutely could, he gave it all he had, at the detriment of his own well-being. We are blessed as we think of Russ and all the good memories." He was preceded in death by his parents. Russell worked at keystone as a journeyman machinist. He also worked at Catapillar in Peoria and Aramark food services in Pekin. He retired from Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Nampa, Idaho. Russell enjoyed hunting, reading, and watching movies. He attended Harvest Life Church for many years. It was Russ's wishes that there be no funeral service, and in Lieu of flowers any memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Midwest affiliate, 4722 N. Sheridan Road Peoria, IL 61614 Condolence may be expressed at ZeyerFuneralChapel.com
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