Russel D. Auer , age 88 of Freeport, IL, entered heaven on Saturday, August 29 ^th , 2020. Born on February 12 ^th , 1932 he was the son of Walter H. and Evelyn M. (Dahlmeier) Auer of Freeport Il. He was a 1950 graduate of Leaf River High School. Russel served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. On August 16 ^th 1958, he married Ruth Ann Downing of Freeport.

Russel was a Milk Hauler before and after entering the service. He then started work in 1958 at Micro Switch in Freeport where he worked for 30 years retiring from Department 17 in 1988. Russel purchased the family farm in 1965 and enjoyed farming and raising beef cattle until he retired in 2002. He loved sitting outside and watching the world go by listening to WGN and playing his handheld solitaire game. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends (euchre, 500 & poker) and loved playing crazy eights & King in the corner with his grandchildren.  He loved attending and working at the Stephenson County Fair.

In his younger years, he enjoyed roller skating where he met Ruth at the White Pines Roller Rink. Russel was a sports fan and enjoyed watching college football and basketball, and the Illinois HS basketball tournaments.  He was also a Chicago Bears & Illini fan.

He is survived by his son, John (Debra); daughter, Jill (Brent) Bryden; son-in-Law, Jeff Hagemann; sister, Vilas Meier; grandchildren; Brandon Hagemann, Kiel Auer, Amber Retzlaff, Kelli Schwartz, Krista Auer, Bryce & Jacob Bryden; and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; daughter, Mary; brother, Wallace; brothers-in-law, Karl Downing and Robert Meier; and great nephew, Scott.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Presence St. Joseph's staff and the FHN Hospice staff for the wonderful care that Russel received during his time there.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 5 ^th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Presence St. Joseph Nursing Home or to FHN Hospice. Face masks are required.  Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com