Gary W. Russow

Gary William Russow, 79 of Ancona passed away Friday, November 1, 2024 at Goldwater Care in Pontiac.

 His funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator. Pastor Rodney Kreier will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Streator. Pallbearers will be Colin Baker, Austin Russow, Michael Panagakis, Colton Murphy, Corbin Panagakis, Carter Panagakis, Butch Leskanich, and Mark Leskanich; Honorary pallbearers will be Ashley McClure, Maghie Baker, and Madyson Panagakis. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM Thursday at the funeral home. 

 Gary was born August 31, 1945 in Streator, a son of Rodney and Jean (Bermes) Russow. He married the love of his life, Thecla Irene Natt on June 4, 1966.

 He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Irene; two sons, Todd (Kim) Russow of Cornell, and Eric (Cara) Russow of Heyworth; three daughters, Melissa (Shawn) Murphy of Savoy, Cindie Russow of Dixon, and Connie (the late Dr. George) Panagakis of Mahomet; 9 grandchildren, Austin and Ashley Russow, Colton Murphy, Colin and Maghie Baker, and Michael, Corbin, Carter and Madyson Panagakis; and one great grandson, Conan Baker. Also surviving is a sister, Mary Jane Funke of Streator.

 He was preceded in death by his father, Rodney Russow; his mother and step-father, Jean and Jim Causland; and a sister, Betty Lou Erickson.

 Gary had worked many years at Thatcher’s Glass factory, Mitsubishi Diamond Star plant, and was a Woodland School Bus Driver. He was a member of the Streator Eagles Club #645 and Streator Lions Club.

 Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.