Russell Gene Mitchell

He leaves his loving wife of 69 1/2 years, Nedra (Reid) Mitchell. They married on August 4, 1950 in DuQuoin, IL. Also surviving are their three children, Tim Mitchell of East Peoria, Sharon (Rich) Neswold of Geneva, IL; Sue (Charlie) King of Geneva, IL; and five grandchildren, Laura Neswold, Emily Neswold, Alex King, Ryan King and Lindsay King, all of Geneva, IL.

Born on December 10, 1925 in DuQuoin, IL, Russell was the son of Julian “June” and Leona (Layton) Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, June Mitchell.

Following his service in the United States Army Air Force during WWII, Russell remained a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.

Once they were married, Russ and Nedra left southern Illinois for the opportunity to work at Caterpillar in East Peoria, where he retired after 40 years as a machine builder. During retirement, they traveled to Florida annually for the winter months to enjoy fishing, biking and relaxing on Lake Okeechobee.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Pastor Jack Thompson will officiate. Visitation will be held an hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Burial with military honors will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the East Peoria VFW Post #2078, 1507 Meadows Ave., East Peoria, IL 61611.

Online condolences to Russell’s family may be made at www.remmertfuneralhome.com