- Date Of Birth: February 3, 1921
- Date Of Death: October 28, 2011
- State: Illinois
Russell George Karl, 90, of Peru, passed away suddenly Friday, October 28, 2011 at IVCH in Peru.
Mr. Karl was born on February 3, 1921 in Peru to Albert and Lillian (Ruppert) Karl. He was married to Ella (Frew) Karl for more than 62 years. Russell was a sheet metal worker retiring in 1984. Russell served honorably in Army Air Corps during WWII in the 457th Bomb Group as a radioman on a B-17. He survived a plane crash in France and went on to fly additional missions over Europe until his discharge in 1944. He was a pilot and continued his interest in aviation. He was a member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and local small plane clubs in Spring Valley and lastly Mendota.
He enjoyed touring with the Confederate Air force B-17 “Sentimental Journey” for 10 years. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Peru. Russell was an avid fisherman and traveled to Europe where he made many friends. He is survived by his wife Ella of Peru; two children, Beverly (David) Fayfar of Naperville and Randy (Debby) Karl of Creve Coeur, MO; 5 grandchildren, Kristin, Karla, Juliet, Emily, and Michael; one great-granddaughter, Olivia; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Kerry Karl and one brother, Glenn Karl.
