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Matthew Russell Obituary
Matthew Stephen Russell, 37, of Albuquerque, N.M., formerly of Mason City, Ill., born Sept. 23, 1970, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., died Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at his home.
Matt graduated from Illini Central High School and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in forestry from the University of Illinois (Go Illini). He worked for the City of Albuquerque as their urban forester.
Surviving are his wife, Susan Kroger; his parents, Stephanie and David Russell; grandmother, Carmen Russell; in-laws, Al and Barbara Kroger; sister, Pam (Scott) Kunkel; nephews, David and Jack Kunkel; aunts and uncles, Walt and Jessie Wright, David Wright, Howard and Judy Wright and Betty Cothran.
Matt believed that planting trees and taking care of our environment made the world a better place and this is what he did - one tree at a time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks loved ones to plant a tree in remembrance of Matt or make a donation in his name to the Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, Neb. 68410.
Funeral: A celebration of his life was held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2008, at Weldon Springs Park in Clinton, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Russell
5 Entries
Dee Williams
July 8, 2008
Susan, words fail. I only "knew" Matt through you and your descriptions - what a great guy. Sending you and the family grace, love, and peace.
Dee Williams, July 8, 2008
Vicki Cox Carter
June 11, 2008
I am sorry for the loss of such a wonderful young man my cousin Matt. What once was such a large family seems so small now that we are off in all these different directions. We are all still very much connected with memories and heartstrings. Our family has lost too many at such a young age. Life is so tender, so fragile, so very precious. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God is our refuge and strength Psalm 46:1
With Love, Cousin Vicki
Mary Anne Haywood
June 11, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear about Matt. He was a fine boy - or I guess man. I'm having Tandi plant a tree for each of us in his memory.
Aunt Mary Anne
Gail Freimann
June 11, 2008
David & Steffie: Got the news from Betsy and don't even know what to say. Words can't even begin to express our sadness. I think I only met Matt once when the kids were young, but I'm sure he was a great young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our family is active in Highland's Tree program; Mike was on the Tree commission at one time. The kids and I planted trees for my dad - my boys still go out the park to check on "grandpa's tree". We will do the same for Matt. Take comfort in the fact that it will grow and enhance our community and we will think of you and your family each time we're out at the park.
Love, Cousin Gail (and family)
Elois Thiel
June 10, 2008
My great nephew, and I didn't even know him....that's sad! I am so sorry, he was much too young, but we never know what life has in store for us. I will plant a tree in his name. Love, Elois
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