Russell Klavon

Russell Eugene Klavon, 78, of Geneseo, formerly of Milan, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was a greatly loved and respected man by his family, friends, and as a longtime coach to generations of young people that played baseball, softball, and basketball. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Geneseo.  Reverend Stephen Mueller will officiate.  Burial will follow at North Cemetery, Geneseo.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Memorials may be directed to Concordia Lutheran Academy, 316 S. Oakwood Avenue, Geneseo, IL, 61254 and Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3300 24th Street, Rock Island, IL, 61201.

Russ was born December 19, 1944, in Geneseo, while his father was recovering in London from an injury received while in France during WWII.  He graduated from Geneseo High School, class of 1962.  On April 18, 1965, Russ and Carol Lou Hanson were wed.  She preceded him in death on May 25, 2014. He proudly served in the United States Army from April of 1968 – March of 1970.  After the heartbreak of losing Carol, Russ found love and happiness again when he met and married Lynn Misfeldt.  They were married at Concordia Lutheran Church on February 20, 2016, and together they blended their families into a loving home.   Russ was a hard-working man that started his employment journey with a newspaper route when he was 11 years old.  After two years of college, he began his career at Chicago Pneumatic in Colorado and Missouri, then finally came back to the Quad Cities to work for Don E. Williams “DeWco” until retiring.  During retirement he enjoyed 10 years as a driver for Project Now. Russell was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Concordia Lutheran Church, both of which he served faithfully.  Russ was an avid St Louis Cardinals fan and his favorite color was CARDINAL red.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Lynn; children, Kelly (Andy) Cortez of Milan, and Kevin Klavon of Valdosta, GA; grandchildren, Colton Klavon, Austin Bein-Klavon, Brittany Klavon, Kevin Klavon, Jill Elder, Kylie Cortez, Libby Cortez, A.J. Cortez, Amber Hamilton, and Jamie Compton; three great grandsons, Lawson, Kian, and Ezra (and another on the way in March); siblings, Marilyn (Jerry) Carter, Dennis (Ann) Klavon, Carolyn (Dan) Werner, Ray (Jennie) Klavon, and Jane (Jack) Copeland; and Lynn’s family Eric (Kristina) Misfeldt of Hopedale, IL, Janea (Matthew) Oaks of Round Rock, TX, Kyle (Sara) Misfeldt of Geneseo; and step-grandchildren, Drake Misfeldt, Eleanor Misfeldt, Zane Misfeldt, Elaina Oaks, Kysen Oaks, Xayden Oaks, Axten Oaks, Tahlya Oaks, Ainsleigh Misfeldt, Linclon Williams, and Gemma Williams.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Carol Klavon; son, Kyle Klavon; sister, Darla Stildham; and nephews, Marcus Klavon and John Hoaglund.