Russ Harms

Russ Harms was born in Sandwich, IL on September 17, 1970. He grew up in Plano, IL with his parents and two siblings. He attended Marmion Military Academy where he achieved the rank of Major as D Company Commander. He also played football, a game he loved his entire life. He shared that love with his wife and daughters which grew to a family passion.

At age 17, Russ was introduced to his future wife, Kelly (née Mason) by Andrew Kucienski, Kelly's cousin. They married on Sweetest Day, October 21, 1995. Russ’s proudest role, in addition to husband, was that of father to his two beautiful daughters Kendall and Sammie. He never missed a moment of their lives and was the ultimate family man. He guided them with wisdom, humor, love and taught them to be the fierce women they’ve become. They are a testament to everything wonderful about him. Sammie especially has his sense of humor and Kendall has his academic drive.  Both are hard-working like their father.

Russ was always happy with a fishing pole in his hand. He loved to walk the field hunting with his beloved Labradors.  He also had a passion for woodworking and cooking. The Harms’ home is filled with custom woodworking projects Russ completed. He and Kelly always welcomed friends to their table to enjoy everything from prime rib to potato salad and smoked pulled pork to caramel corn.   In recent years the two enjoyed traveling and finding distilleries.  Bourbon became their passion collection, like finding great restaurants. Russ was a storyteller extraordinaire who would entertain us all with stories & jokes some short but many long, serious, humorous, true, and, well, maybe not so true.

Russ loved his wife, girls, dogs, family, and friends with his whole heart. He has left us far too soon. We will miss his sly sense of humor, his tall tales spoken with that twinkle in his eye, and his charming smile.

Russ is survived by his wife, Kelly (née Mason), daughters Kendall and Sammie, his parents Keith and Jan Harms, his mother-in-law Linda Mason, his brother Brian (Carrie), sister Peggy (Denny) Durland, brother-in-law Kirk (Carolyn) Mason, and seven nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Russell and Margaret Harms and his father-in-law Robert Mason.

Funeral Mass for Russ will be held Friday, July 1, 2022 at 9:00 am at Saint Anne Catholic Church, 551 Boulder Hill Pass, Oswego, IL 60543 with Father Michael Burrows, Celebrant.

Burial will follow at Little Rock Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 30 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Pheasants Forever Inc, 1783 Buerkle Circle, St. Paul, MN 55110 or www.pheasantsforever.org would be appreciated.

For information, please call 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store a www.malonefh.com/obituary/Russ-Harms/sympathy.

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