Russell L. "Russ" Bjorling

KEWANEE - Russell L. "Russ" Bjorling, 70, of Kewanee, passed away on November 17, 2021 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

Husband, father, and friend. Russell was a strong supporter of his agricultural community and was an avid reader who loved to learn and research about history, agriculture, and economics. Russell had the true heart of a teacher and mentor. He hosted, mentored, and shepherded many young men and women that he met on his life's journey. He deeply valued the family he gained through his faith and the chance to guide and encourage as they learned about God and His abundant love. Russell also felt called to use his experience and wisdom to guide and encourage young men as they developed into farmers and leaders in their communities here in the USA and all around the world. 

Russell was a 1973 graduate of the University of Illinois, a farmer who raised livestock and crops for over fifty years, a certified crop advisor, grain buyer, and commodity broker. Russell led commodity analyst charting clubs, 4-H clubs, taught Sunday school classes and bible studies for children and adults alike, and led church boards. He consistently brought shalom, hope, and a listening ear to all he met.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 23 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 24 at the funeral home and digitally at both https://zoom.us/my/storyfarmers (meeting ID: 960 093 2513) and www.facebook.com/faithstickney with Rev. Don Poest officiating. An additional hour of visitation will be held prior to the service starting at noon. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Russell’s name to Faith Community Church, 6825 W. 40th St., Stickney IL 60402 or http://faithstickney.rcachurches.org.

Russell is survived by his wife of 45 years Carol of Kewanee; his two daughters, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth (Rev. Christopher) Poest of Stickney IL, and Amanda Bjorling of Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; a sister, Dr. Jean (Bob) Young of Saboba, Ghana; and a brother, Dr. Dale (Nanci) Bjorling of Madison WI. He will be deeply missed. 

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