Russell W. Oellig

Russell W. Oellig, 82, of Rockford, passed on peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2023.  He was born in Rockford on November 6, 1940 to Russell and Georgetta Oellig and married Karen Retzke.  He was President/CEO of Ro-Pal Grinding for over 50 years.  He was a faithful St. Mark Lutheran Church member since 1979 and a wonderful husband, father and Papa.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen; children, Tracey (Mark) Hinck, Todd (Shellee) Oellig and Chad (Tamra) Oellig; sisters, Pat Limberg, Judy Salamone and Doreen (David) Peterson; brother-in-law, Cliff Retzke; grandchildren, Ashley (Quon) Denny, Garrett (Karlie) Hinck, Chloe (Zach) Broussely, Kate (Jake) Lookingland, Elle Oellig and Sydnei Oster; great-grandchildren, Kaisa, Michael and Kane.  Predeceased by his parents; brothers-in-law, Sam Salamone and Mike Limberg; sisters-in-law, Bette Retzke and Michele Retzke (Thorn).

He loved his family, friends, cars, and watching the horses run.  He was always willing to help family and friends.  He will be forever missed.  We are mixing our tears with happy memories.

Many thanks to all the staff at P.A. Peterson for their caring and kindness.

Funeral service will be at 11:00am with a visitation from 10:00am until the service on Saturday, January 14, 2023 in St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61107.  A visitation will also be held Friday evening from 5:00pm to 7:30pm in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.  Private entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Mark Lutheran Church Youth Ministry.

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