Russ Lovell

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ROCK FALLS – Russ Lovell, of Rock Falls, died Friday, June 26, 2009, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, as a result of a cardiac arrest suffered on June 7.

Russ was born May 3, 1951, in Sterling, the son of Robert Lovell and Donna (Fischer) Lovell. Russ married Susy Pennell on Aug. 8, 2000, in Las Vegas. Russ lived and worked his entire life in this community. Russ worked at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. for 33 years in the 24-inch mill, and previously served as president of the United Steelworkers Union Local 63 for 6 years. Russ was employed by Rock Falls Civic Plaza 2 Apartment complex as maintenance manager at the time of his death. Russ loved NASCAR racing, his pugs, his wife and children, and enjoyed playing with his grandchildren. Russ loved life, and gave of himself in his last days by donating organs to help others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susy; daughter, Dawn Marie (Ed) Wilson of Bloomington; son, Jeffrey (Dawn) Lovell of Portland, Ore.; stepson, Kevin Sheehan of Jacksonville; two sisters, Pam (Jim) Micheals of San Francisco and Cindy (Terry) Eaglin of Rock Falls; and three grandchildren, Alexis, Zachary, and Emily of Bloomington.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lovell and Donna Graggert.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory, Rock Falls. Funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with a luncheon to follow at the Rock Falls American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Heartland Home Nursing and Hospice of Sterling.

Condolences may be sent at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com on the Internet.