Steven David Russell

Steven David Russell age 68 of Bushnell, IL passed away on Sunday May 20, 2017 at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL. He was born on June 24, 1948 in Oak Lawn, IL to John and Irene Swistowicz Russell. He married Jeannine Hochstatter in Oak Lawn on August 22, 1970. Steve is survived by his wife Jeannine of Bushnell, IL, 1 Son – Brent Russell (Colleen Chandler), 1 Daughter – Bridget (John) McCormick, 6 Grandchildren – Drake and Ashtyn Russell, John and Jaxon Hiel, and Mason and Madison McCormick, a Sister, Brother and Half-Sister – Dawn (Donald) Hayner, Robert (Geralyn) Russell, and Judith Stowe, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents and 2 Brothers – Johnny and Charles Russell.

Steve graduated from Oak Lawn High School where he participated in wrestling and was the MVP of the Oak Lawn Spartan Football Team in 1966. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration and Elementary Education in 1970 from Western Illinois University. He also received his Master’s degree in Education Administration from WIU.
Upon graduating from WIU, Steve began his career in Bushnell, IL as a Recreation Director and Elementary Physical Education Teacher. He was as assistant coach of the B-PC Spartan Football team from 1973 – 76. In 1980, he became Assistant Principal of the B-PC Elementary School and in 1981 he became Principal. Steve was the Principal of the B-PC Elementary until he retired in 2003. In 2005 he continued serving Bushnell, IL as the Mayor until 2013.
Aside from his work, he loved to fish, tinker with his model trains, tend to his roses, mow and hear about and watch his Grandkid’s activities. He enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears, as painful as that may have been.
Private family services and burial were held on Tuesday, May 22, 2017. A reception in his honor, open for all, will be held at the Bushnell VFW on Sunday May 28, 2017 from 4 – 7 PM, with a toast to his life given at 5 PM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Bushnell Rescue Squad or to the B-PC Elementary Classroom Preparation fund. Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook or leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.