Russell M Gerard

Russell M. Gerard, 77
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Russell M. Gerard, 77, of Roscoe, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015 in his home. Born August 14, 1938 in Chicago the son of Merle E. and Juanita (Sandstrom) Gerard. He met his loving wife, Beverly Malin, at the age of 16 while they were both attending high school together. They married on June 13, 1959 in Chicago. Russell attended the University of Illinois, after passing on a swimming scholarship, and played football on the practice team. He received his degree in agriculture and used it to become a dairy farmer for 6 years in WI. They moved to Harvard in 1972 and worked for Wayne Feed as a salesman in Southern WI and Northern IL for 17 years and while he was a feed salesman he purchased a feed mill in Chemung. Russ went on to work and retire from the McHenry County Planning and Development Department after 13 years. Russ coached Little League and Hers Baseball for several years, he even pitched and played Men’s slow pitch baseball and was instrumental in creating the Harvard Booster Club. His current endeavor has kept he and Beverly busy for the last 27 years. Together they started T’s and Stuff, selling shirts and gifts at County Fairs and homes. In the off-season Russ began driving over the road and escorted oversize loads along with his daughter. Russ was a proud husband, father and grandfather, always making the time to drive to and attend all of his children and grandchildren’s athletic and musical events. He attended Cross and Crown Lutheran Church in Roscoe but was sure to take time for hunting, golfing, fishing and cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams. Russell was a hard worker and dedicated family man and his smile, that contagious laugh and sense of humor will be missed dearly by his family and friends. He was a great storyteller.

He is survived by his wife Beverly of Roscoe; children, Randall K. (Jo E.), Curtiss B. (Julie), Shawn C. and Jodelle K. Gerard; grandchildren, Joshua, Tyler, Garick, Kaitlin, Jacob, Riley, Kelsey and Derek; great grandchildren, Ella and Lily and his sister, Marilynn Vanassche. He was preceded in death by his parents.


A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 7404 Elevator Rd. Roscoe, with pastor John Heins officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel is assisting the family. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com