Joseph "Joe" W. Russell

Joseph Warren Russell, 86, of Geneseo, IL, died February 20, 2025, at Unity Point Health - Trinity, Bettendorf, IA.  Visitation will be held at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory- Geneseo Chapel on Friday, February 28, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, where a service will follow.  Burial is immediately after at Hampton Cemetery, where military honors will be held.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. MichiCondolences can be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com

Joe was born August 22, 1938, the son of Mary Jane and Charles Russell, and was raised in Silvis, IL.  He graduated from United Township High School in East Moline in 1957, where he excelled in tennis.  He served in the Navy from 1957 to 1960, first on a submarine and then an aircraft carrier, and received an honorable discharge as a Radioman Second Class.  He then began working at Alcoa in Riverdale, IA, where he retired after 33 years as an ultrasonic inspector in 1995.   He married his wife, Karen, in 1984.  He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, an amateur radio operator, and a collector of sports cards.  He enjoyed Western movies and books, and fishing both in Minnesota and at his home at Shady Beach.  He loved his many canine and feline companions.  His lively and jesting personality will be dearly missed.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Karen Russell, of Geneseo, IL;  sons Scott (Tami), of Rock Island, IL, Steve (Chris), of Phoenix, AZ, and Shawn, of State Center, IA; sister Diane Box of East Moline; and brothers Jim Matson of Ridgecrest, CA, and Rick Matson of Silvis.  Grandchildren include Kyle Russell, Eric Russell, Jacob (Hope) Russell, Lindsey (Steven) Kunz, Austin Russell, Jessica Russell and Courtney Russell; and eight great-grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jane and Charles Russell, and grandparents, Warren and Anne Griffin. 

Special and sincere thanks is given to the staff of Allure of Prophetstown, where he was affectionately cared for the last three years.