Russell Voights

Russell D. Voights, 92, of Streator passed away Thursday morning (Dec. 31, 2020) at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Ottawa.

Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic restrictions, there will be a private service held at Hagi Funeral Home, Streator, on January 7, 2021. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be nephew Craig Voights and his sons Daniel, Clinton and Stephen Voights and nephew Virl Voights and his son Kyle Voights. Memorial contributions may be made to Ransom United Methodist Church or Riverview Cemetery Association.

Russell was born December 10, 1928 in Streator, a son of Elmer and Jennie (Johnston) Voights.  He married Patrice L. Wells on December 27, 1955 in Ottawa.  She preceded him in death on November 9, 2004.

He is survived by a son, Brinton (Kelly) Voights of Aurora; and two granddaughters, Peyton Voights and Hailey Voights, both of Aurora.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and two brothers, Raymond and Harold.

Russell was a member of the Ransom United Methodist Church and a member of the Streator Elks Club. He served for many years on the Board of Directors for the Ransom Farmer’s Elevator.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1951 through 1952 and was stationed in Japan where he was a member of the Ordnance Corps and also specialized in wheeled vehicle maintenance and repair. At Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, friendships Russ made would endure long after the war.

Russell was a 1946 graduate of Streator High School, where he was active in FFA. Prior to and after his military service, Russell worked for several local companies including Thatcher and Owens-Illinois Glass Manufacturing Companies and Scherer Freight Lines. In 1957, Russ and Pat moved from Ottawa to a farm north of Ransom where he raised corn, soybeans and hogs for the next 46 years until his retirement in 2003. He also hauled grain for local farmers and friends during his time in Ransom.

While farming, Russell so enjoyed his daily trips for coffee to Ransom and Kinsman to meet with other farmers and friends to discuss the day’s events. While his wife Pat was teaching, he enjoyed gathering with the teachers and their spouses. In later years, Russ enjoyed having dinner with his son and eventually granddaughters too at the Elks Club and Chipper’s Grill.

A man of great integrity and excellent character, with a warm personality and a friendly nature, Russell will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is now joined again with Pat, the love of his life.