Russel West

Russel L. West, 68, of Wataga, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, November 14, 2025, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
Russel was born October 11, 1957, in Galesburg. He was the son of Merl John and Betty Joann (Swanson) West. He married Kathy Luper on December 18, 1990, in Las Vegas. Together they celebrated 34 years of marriage. Surviving Russel are his loving wife, Kathy at home; daughter, Laura Rammage of Galesburg; grandson, Ayden Myers; bonus daughter, Mindy (Kevin Godsil) Locke of Galesburg; bonus grandchildren Brittany (Shawn) Hilligoss of Knoxville and Chandler Stevenson of Knoxville; and two bonus great-granddaughters, Ayla Bee Hilligoss and Wenny Roux Hilligoss. And sister-in-law, Toni West. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Molly Rae Elizabeth and brother, Michael West.
Russel was a 1975 graduate of Galesburg High School. He attended Carl Sandburg College and then graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Park and Recreation Administration in May of 1981. Russel finished his career with Maytag as a Journeyman in Machine Maintenance and was an Automated Equipment Specialist. After Maytag shutdown in 2004, he went on to work for 5 years at Caterpillar in their maintenance department. After leaving Cat, Russel started his career at JMTC-Rock Island Arsenal as machine repair. Russel finished his 15 year career at JMTC-RIA as a machine maintenance planner retiring on December 31, 2024.
Russel enjoyed many family deer hunting outings and fishing trips over the years. He especially enjoyed mushroom hunting with Kathy and Molly in the early years. This led to a tradition that he carried on with his daughter Laura and Grandson Ayden. He helped run the family flea market, The Rivermouse, in London Mills during Scenic Drive for many years. Russel enjoyed going golfing. He even hit a hole in one at Bunker Links. While at Maytag he was a member of the Maytag Bowling Team. In his free time he enjoyed being outdoors at the family farm and playing Fortnite with Ayden. He was always present at all of our "Misfit" family gatherings. Bringing along his trusty cooler full of diet Coke. Russel will be forever missed.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Burial will follow funeral services at the Maquon Cemetery. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be donated to the GYAC Boxing Club, Galesburg. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russel, please visit our floral store.