Longtime Avon Twp. supervisor was always involved

Russell Christian of Grayslake, who served 17 years as Avon Township's supervisor, died Sunday. He was 81.

Although he has been out of the public eye since a stroke in 2006, the Waukegan native had long been involved with a variety of community services and elected positions.

"His father was with the FBI and was sheriff of Lake County for two terms. He grew up with a sense of being involved in a lot of different things," said his wife, Shirley.

By profession, Christian was an accounting supervisor with the Frank G. Hough Co./International Harvester/Dresser Industries in Libertyville until retiring in 1987.

But it was out of the office that he had a long involvement with a variety of civic and community organizations, a legacy that extends to other family members.

"He did a lot of things and gave back to the community in a lot of ways," his wife said.

In 1989, Christian was elected supervisor of Avon Township, which covers the Round Lake communities, Hainesville, Grayslake, Third Lake and surrounding unincorporated areas.

He served until August 2006, four months after suffering a stroke that kept him from performing his daily duties. Shirley Christian was named to replace him as township supervisor, a post she lost in the 2009 election.

Before assuming Avon Township's top spot, Russell Christian had a long tenure in public office, having served on the Grayslake village board for 12 years in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the Grayslake High School District 127 board.

He also served as executive director of the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce, a post his wife and daughter later would hold. He was a founding member and chairman of the Grayslake economic development commission.

"He was one of the good guys," said Greg Koeppen, manager of the Lake County Farm Bureau. "He dedicated himself to giving back to the community."

Russell Christian, an Army veteran, also was active in the Grayslake Lions Club and American Legion Post 0659, and was a charter member of the Grayslake Kiwanis Club.

"His interests were very diverse," Shirley Christian said. "He touched a lot of people's lives."

One of his favorite activities was playing Santa for kids in the Round Lake and Grayslake area and for seniors at Winchester House.

"That was something he had so much fun with," Shirley Christian said. "When they're little and they believe in Santa, it's absolutely wonderful. It gave him a good feeling."

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Karen (Kirk Smith) Christian Smith of Round Lake Beach, John (Shelly) Christian of Gurnee and Patti Gail (Jack Wells) Byers of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Strang Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Road (Route 120), Grayslake. Visitation also will be 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Saturday at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 285 Washington St., Grayslake.

Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Grayslake Fire Department.