Rev. John "Russell" R. Skorburg

Rev. J Russell Skorburg was called to Heaven on December 29, 2025 at the age of 91.

Born December 30, 1933, to Stanley and Julia Westland Skorburg, he attended Rockford East High School and graduated from College of Emporia where he studied sports journalism and served as a cheerleader, participated in student politics and theater.

While attending Emporia, he met the love of his life, Ruth Joan Thompson, also attending college there. He felt the call from God to change his career. They married and moved to San Francisco so he could attend the San Francisco Seminary. Russell was ordained as pastor of the Presbyterian Church and served as a moderator of two presbyteries, Vice Moderator of Synod and Stated Clerk of two presbyteries.

Russell served the Lord for 40 years, serving as lead pastor at four churches: Presbyterian Church, Caney, Kansas, First Presbyterian Church of Aurora, Missouri, First Presbyterian Church of Harrison, Arkansas and Presbyterian Church of Palatine IL, suburb of Chicago IL. He wrote, spoke, wed, baptized, counseled and laid to rest those that loved the Lord in accordance of His word. During this time, Russell and Ruth guided three tours through the Holy Land.

Russell was an avid reader, writer, speaker and artist. He used creativity and humor to help people solve daily problems and live lives filled with hope and optimism. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed drawing pictures of nature.

Married to Ruth Joan for 70 years, they welcomed five children James (Sue), Jon (Mary Ann), Julie (John), Joel and Jared into their family. For many years, Russell and Ruth traveled to the north woods of Wisconsin for several weeks each summer to enjoy downtime near Starrett Lake. They would camp, swim, fish, make crafts, cook over a campfire and enjoy the abundant wildlife found there, while raising their five children and enjoying nature.

Upon retirement, Russell and Ruth returned to Rockford, IL to enjoy a quieter life filled with visits from grown children, growing grandchildren April (Matt), James (Jordan), Gus (Kristen), Megan (Brett), Hannah, Trevor (Sarah), Connor (Gretchen), Kaitlyn (Bryan) and a third generation of Great-Grand Children (Cole, David, Spencer, Genevieve, Colby, Lenora and Marcie).

While in Rockford, they have enjoyed communing with God through the 3rd Presbyterian Church of Rockford, IL, spending time with neighbors and relatives including Russell’s brother Wayne (Vida) and sisters Donna and Lois (Jack).

They continued to pursue many personal interests: birdwatching and deer watching, flower gardening, collecting historic, sports, nature and cultural memorabilia, making fires in their fireplace and following Russell’s favorite sports teams.

Russell was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Julia Westland Skorburg, Irma Skorburg, his brother Wayne and his son, Joel Skorburg.

We know he was greeted by the Lord at the pearly gates and by family and friends that went before him. He will be missed by his wife Ruth and loving family, neighbors and friends.

It is our belief that we will reunite one day according to God’s promise. Until then, we will continue his interests within our families and hold him close in our hearts through memories we’ve made together.