Russell J. Egolf: 1929 – 2008
Russell J. Egolf, 79, widely acquainted Noble County dairy farmer and community leader and a resident of rural Churubusco, died at 1:40 a. m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008, at the family residence in Green Township after a brief illness.
Mr. Egolf was born on September 29, 1929 on the Egolf Family Homestead in Thorncreek Township in Whitley County, a son of Dewey and Eva (Winebrenner) Egolf. He moved as a child with his parents to Merriam and spent all of his formative years in Noble Township, graduating from Wolf Lake High School in 1947.
On October 1, 1950 he was married in Churubusco to Martha Ann Nestel. He lived all of his married life on the family farm northwest of Churubusco, and was a dairy farmer all of his working years. For the past 15 years the couple wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona.
In addition to his agricultural endeavors, his life was marked by community service and memberships in several organizations. He was a member of the Churubusco United Methodist Church, where he had served in a variety of administrative capacities, including a trustee of the church. He served for eight years on the board of trustees of the Smith-Green Community School Corporation in Churubusco, was involved in the American Dairy Association, and had also been a member of the Boots ‘n Bonnets Square Dance Club for many years. He was an avid sports enthusiast, having played baseball and basketball for several years.
He is survived by his wife Martha, to whom he was married for over 58 years; his children Jann (David T.) Johnson, Mel (Susan) Egolf, and Ned (Cathy) Egolf, all of Churubusco, and Brian (Judy) Egolf of Albion; a brother J. D. Egolf of Albion; a sister Faith Richards of Gainsville, Fla; two sisters-in-law Connie Nestel Teghtmeyer of Fort Wayne and Janet Nestel of Orlando, Fla; ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Sylvelda (Harold O.) McCoy.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at the Churubusco United Methodist Church with Rev. Corinne K. Boruff, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Tuesday from 2 to 8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service Wednesday morning.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
The family requests memorials be directed to the Churubusco United Methodist Church Food Pantry, or to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
************************************
To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Egolf’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
December 14th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Very sorry to hear about you loss, my prayers are with you. To Mel since I don’t know how to get ahold of you, just wanted you to know that Kevin Brudi my brother also passed away on 12-13 due to a moto-X accident. We’ll all have to keep our heads high and cherish the memories.
Kelly Robertson
December 15th, 2008 at 9:57 am
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From the short time we knew Russell, he could tell he was a special man, who enjoyed being with his family. He meant a lot to Jeremy. May your faith and memories help you through this difficult time.
December 15th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Our deepest sympathy to the Egolf family… Thinking of you during this difficult time and hoping you find comfort in special memories of your husband, father and grandfather. May you feel lots of love around you now and in the days to come.
With Sympathy,
Daryl & Carolyn (Geiger) Erwin
Churubusco, IN
December 15th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. As we celebrate his life, may God bless and comfort your families.
Rod & June Strayer
December 15th, 2008 at 11:55 am
To Martha Ann and the family, You have our sincere sympathy on the loss of Russell. We know he will be greatly missed by all of you. Bernie will miss going to a Cubs game with him next spring. Martha, let us know if and when you come to AZ so we can come out to see you. Again, you all have our sincere sympathy. Catherine and Bernie
December 15th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I remember sharing time at the Blue River Church of God. There was a party at your farm. It was the first time I “dunked for apples” What a fond memory !!!
I’m sending our sympathy for your family ,in honor
of Mom & Dad ( Leo & Dorthea Bixler) and Neal & myself. God bless you all .
December 15th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Dear Jann and Dave,
My daughter Sarah Thomas made me aware that your father had passed away and shared with me the lovely obituary notice. I do remember Russell from our days @ CUMC…those wonderful, seemingly carefree days are etched in my memory forever.
A bit of prose comes to mind after reading about the life and times of Russell Egolf. It was written by William Wordsworth in 1798…appropriate to mention for only the most special of men.
“That best portion of a good man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love”.
So shall Russell be remember it appears.
God bless, you are in my prayers.
Cindy
December 15th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Russell. Even though it had been quite some since I had last seen him, he was a great leader in the community. May the same high standards he had in all he did continue through his family for many years. He will be greatly missed.
Roger Berry
Churubusco High School Class of 1971
December 16th, 2008 at 12:38 am
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Russell. He and I grew up as boys in the same church, although that’s been many years ago.
December 16th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Martha and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Russell’s death. We will keep all of you in our prayers and know that God will be with you during the days and months ahead.
Larry and Kathy
December 16th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Dear Martha and family,
I am so sorry about Russell’s death. I am praying
that God will be with you all during this difficult
time. Russell was always the jolly one in the
family. I remember how we took him along on our
dates. I wish I could be with you.
Love,
Faith
December 16th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Dear Martha and family,
I was saddened to hear of my Uncle Russell’s
passing. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy
to you. My prayers are with you.
Jim Richards
December 16th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Dear Martha, Jann, Mel, Ned, and Brian,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Russell was a very special person.
Love & prayers,
Madonna and David Roberts
December 17th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Russell. His legacy continues in the lives of a gracious and loving family ! I pray you are comforted in some part by the wonderful memories you share. God Bless
December 17th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Dear Martha & Family,
I’m saddened to hear of my Uncle Russell’s passing. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you. My prayers are with you.
Love, Jim
December 17th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Dear Ned and Cathy Egolf and The Egolf Family,
Ned, I am so sorry about you losing your Dad. Just want you to know I am praying for you and Cathy, Your Mother and all of your Family. Losing your Daddy is just so hard, God Bless all,
Ellen Jefferies