Russell Blank, Sr

Russell E. Blank, Sr., 84, of Coal Valley, died Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Good Samaritan Village, Geneseo. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Geneseo. Rev. Christopher Bushre will officiate. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Geneseo. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Stackhouse-Moore Funeral Services, 225 E. Park St., Geneseo. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Geneseo.

Russell was born February 13, 1929 in Coal Valley, IL the son of Elmer and Jessie (Hass) Blank. He served in the U.S. Army and was united in marriage to Sue Musgrove on December 31, 1966 at St. John’s Church, Geneseo. She died November 14, 2007. Russell farmed in rural Coal Valley all his life. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed playing cards, was a Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls fan and he savored moments with his grandchildren.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Russell, Jr. and Suzanne Blank, Geneseo; a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Mike Franson, Ellsworth, WI; seven grandchildren, Steven, Sarah, Marc, Chelsey, Keir, Tristan, and Trey; and two great grandchildren, Taylor and Konnor. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a brother, Wilbur.

A video tribute may be viewed and condolences expressed by visiting Russell’s obituary at www.stackhousemoore.com