Russell L. Burgin Obituary
Danville, Illinois – Russell L. Burgin, 86, of Danville, Illinois passed away peacefully at 10:10 pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at home.
Russ was born May 15, 1936, in Danville, Illinois to Russell Paul and E. Marie Bailey Burgin. He married Joann Sexton on August 16, 1958, in Danville, Illinois. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters: Teresa Burgin of Barrington, Illinois and Karen (Mike) Feller of Champlin, Minnesota; twin grandsons Ryne and Kyle Krueger of Barrington, Illinois and granddaughter Bailey Feller of Champlin, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and sister-in-law: Donald (Pat) Burgin.
After 26 years employment at the University of Illinois sheet metal shop, Russ retired December 1994. While at the university, he served on numerous faculty/staff committees. He took great pride in the committee's successful efforts to secure reduced tuition for U of I employee dependents which went into effect one year after his daughters graduated. Prior to the U of I, he ran a 7Up route and completed his sheet metal apprenticeship on the C&EI Railroad. Russ served in the US Army reserves from 1957 to 1963.
Russ has been active in Masonry for nearly 65 years. He joined Olive Branch Lodge #38 in August 1957 and the Gao Grotto in May 1958 and remains a member of both organizations. He served on the stage crew for Reunion activities for 20 years, including acting as Assistant Director. In recognition of his contributions to the ideals of Masonry, he was presented with Meritorious Service Award in 1989 and selected as 2002 – 2003 Scottish Rite Mason for the Year.
In 1975, Russ joined the ANSAR Shrine. He has held various leadership positions in the Eastern IL Shrine Club including serving as president in 2009 and 2017. He served in the Potentate's Divan in 2016 and in 2022. Russ also rode on the 25-man bike in numerous parades and other events to help raise awareness of Eastern IL Shrine in the community. In addition, he coordinated and staffed many fundraisers, including countless raffles, the Shrine Circus, and the annual onion sale to benefit the Shrine Hospitals. For many years, Russ drove families to medical appointments at the Chicago and St. Louis Shrine Hospitals.
In addition to his involvement with Masonry and the Shrine Club, he was a member of Batestown United Methodist Church and volunteered for many local charities including the Vermilion County War Museum. He served on the Diamond Grade School Board of Education in the early 1970s prior to the formation of Oakwood CUSD 76.
Funeral services 10:30 am on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois with Pastor Patti Wise officiating. Masonic services 10 am Saturday prior to the service. Burial will be in the Johnson Cemetery in Danville. Visitation is 5 to 7 pm on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Shriner's Hospital for Children in care of Robison Chapel, Post Office Box 79, Catlin, Illinois 61817.
