Russell Jospeh Esela

October 15, 1923 - October 8, 2014

Russell Joseph Esela, 90, of Springfield, died at 10 am, Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at River Birch Senior Living. He was born October 15, 1923, in New Berlin, to Edward and Anna Early Esela. He married Delores C. Lucas on November 23, 1961 and she preceded him in death on August 14, 2006.

He is survived by one sister, Jean Ann Fitzgerald of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents; wife; one infant brother and one brother, John Esela, preceded him in death.

Russell was a member of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He volunteered as a Samaritan at St. John’s Hospital and enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

He was a US Air Force Veteran serving from 1943-1945. Russell retired as a sheet metal worker with Union Local #218, after 20 years of service.

Visitation: 8:30-9:45 am, Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass: 10 am, Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with Reverend Seth Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Susan G. Komen for the cure.