Freeport – Russell W. Lestikow, 86 of Freeport passed away at Parkview Home with his family at his side following an extended illness.  He was born March 25, 1937 to Marshall and Isabelle (Bauscher) Lestikow. He attended Forreston High School and then entered into the army where he was stationed in Germany from 1960-1962.  He married Norma Shippy on July 8, 1972 in Pecatonica, Illinois.  She passed away December 18, 2009. He then married Barbara Merhley on May7, 2011 in Freeport.

As a truck driver for most of his life, Russell hauled grain, beans and eggs all across Northern Illinois.  His CB handle was "Big R".  Russell loved gardening, watching Highland Cougar Basketball and watching the races at the Freeport Raceway Park before they closed.  Most recently, his daily routine was not compete without a small coffee and newspaper in front of the fireplace at Higher Grounds Coffee in Freeport. Russ was a truck driver for Glen Roth early on and he also did auto detailing for Barkau in his later years.  Russ was a member of First United Methodist Freeport for many years.  He most recently has been attending Park Hills Evangelical Free Church.  His greatest joy was always spending time with his family and his pets.

He is survived by his wife, Barb of Freeport; his daughter, Faith (Kevin) Lincicum of Waukesha, WI and Matt Lestikow of Freeport;  Sisters-in-law, Nancy (Randy) Kleindl of Davis, Norine (Robert) Ehrler of Freeport and Tammy (Eric) Sager of Lena, Phyllis Lestikow of Ridott and Linda Merhley of Kankakee, Illinois.

His legacy also includes his 5 grandchildren, Peggy (Fiance, Dylan Debello) Lestikow, Quinn Lincicum, Christopher Lestikow, Aidan Lincicum and Owen Lincicum and 1 great grandson, Grayson Debello.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Norma; 4 brothers, Robert Lestikow, Eugene Lestikow, Clifford Lestikow and James Lestikow;  2 sisters, Leona Wolf and  Verda Guinen and brothers-in-law, Roy Wolf and Perry Shippy.

There will be a visitation on Saturday, September 9th beginning at 12 pm at Park Hills Evangelical Free Church and a service will immediately follow at 1pm also at Park Hills.  His final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  A memorial has been established in his name for FHN Hospice and the Highland Community College Men's basketball program.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.