Russell John Statler

June 21, 2017 - October 30, 2017

Russell J. Statler age 78 of Polo died Monday Oct. 30, 2017 at Polo Rehab. and Health Care Center. He was born June 21, 1939 in Milledgeville, IL preceded in death by his parents Ray and Mary (Briscoe) Statler. After beginning his career working at Henry Pratt and hauling grain for Dixon Co-op he realized he truly had a desire to be a farmer. Russell’s passion for farming, raising crops and livestock allowed him to grow his passion into a family enterprise with several farms in Ogle County along Penn Corner and Henry Road. His careful and diligent planning of each year’s crop, along with preparing for planting and harvest most often resulted in good seasons. The fresh smell of tilled soil each spring made him a man of the earth with both feet firmly planted on the land and a wonderful steward of the soil. Along with his passion for farming Russell was a true family man. While farming kept him very busy he was always ensuring he made time to attend special family events even if it was to catch a quick meal in between chores. Russell married Patricia Friel on July 2, 1960 and she preceded him in death July 7, 2016. He was also preceded in death by a half-brother Sherwood Wilson, two half-sisters Yvonne Wilson and Alice Miller and 2 grandchildren Valorne Follmer and Maria Cutsinger. Russell is survived by two daughters Dina (James) Lillyman of Franklin Grove, Valerie Statler of La Grange, KY, one son Greg Statler of Polo, 5 grandchildren, Shantel Smith, Brittany Macchi, Zachary Howard, Victoria Ogunfowokan and Tate Statler, 5 great grandchildren, Adrionna Macchi, Kellan Smith, Gavin Smith, Jaron Smith and Jayden Ogunfowokan and one sister Collette Frank of Desert Springs, CA. Visitation will be on Saturday Nov. 4, 2017 from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM in the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. Graveside services will be on Saturday Nov. 4, 2017 at 11:30 AM at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo with Rev. Joseph Naill, officiating. A luncheon will follow the burial at Polo Town Hall. A memorial has been established to St Mary Catholic Church in Polo.