Russell W. Schuler, 80, lifelong Gilman resident, having recently moved to Paxton to be closer to family, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born on November 28, 1943 in Watseka, a son of Lloyd and Lucile (Luecke) Schuler. Russell married MaryAnn Gonnerman on April 17, 1966 in Dixon, Illinois.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, MaryAnn Schuler of Paxton; one daughter, Susanne (Tim) Gateley of Tolono; one son, Jim (Kris) Schuler of Paxton; four grandchildren, Kyle (Melanie Francik) Gateley of Loda, Aaron (Gabrielle) Slack of Fisher, Leah (Zach) Riedel of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Emma Schuler of Paxton; one brother, Dale (Debra) Schuler of Branson, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
Russell was preceded in death by both of his parents; one brother, Ernie Schuler; and two sisters, Mary Lou Harding and Arlene Snow.
Russell grew up on a farm in rural Gilman and graduated from Gilman High School in1961. He served in the United States Army Reserves and was a proud veteran. Russell worked for Illinois Bell and retired from Ameritech. He also operated his own backhoe business. Russell was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman where he was very active in many capacities including former usher and president of the board. Russell was a member of the Watseka Masonic Lodge #446 and cofounder of the Slow Boys Tractor Club. Russell enjoyed antique tractors, fishing, woodworking, making palm crosses for the church, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman with Dr. Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Wenger Green Ridge Cemetery in Gilman. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday. Masonic rites service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the end of the visitation.
Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Parkinson Foundation, or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.
Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
Please share a memory of Russell at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
