Russell E. Rahn

Russell E. Rahn (Russ) died on Friday, December 24, 2021 after a long hard battle with cancer.  He was 84 years old. Russ was born on January 9, 1937 in Tuscola, Illinois to Harold and Pauline Rahn.  He was the oldest of eleven children.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy Rahn, his three children, Mark, Lisa and Terri, six grandchildren, one great grandchild, along with ten surviving siblings. Russ graduated from Tuscola High School and then served in the Army Reserves as an Artillery Sargent. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Cross Construction and was a member of the Mid Central Operating Engineers Union.  He raised his family in his beloved community of Philo, Illinois.  He was a Boy Scout leader for over 30 years, an active member of the Prairielands Council of Boy Scouts of America, and served on the board at the Zion Lutheran Church. Russ was an unassuming, warm-hearted, gentle and adventurous soul. A man of few words, never a negative word about anyone, but an extremely knowledgeable individual who loved fishing and the great outdoors.   He taught his children and scouts how to live off of the land and to appreciate the beauty of nature.  He even went zip lining at age 74 with his grandkids.  He was the best husband, father and friend anyone could ask for and will be greatly missed! A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 at the Lutheran Church in Philo.  The visitation will run from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the funeral service will start at noon.  Pastor Donna Smith will be officiating.  He will be laid to rest at the Yearsley Cemetery in Urbana, Illinois. In lieu of flowers we request that donations be made to his much-loved church Zion Lutheran Church, 101 Van Buren Street, Philo, Illinois 61864.  Condolences may be sent to www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

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