Russell Christian praised for years of public service in Grayslake area

Having served the public both as an elected official and community volunteer for decades, Russell Christian understood the importance of helping others, the pastor at his funeral said Saturday.

Through his service in the Grayslake area, the former Avon Township supervisor made the community a better place "for all who lived and worked and played here," the Rev. Kris D. H. Ferkin told mourners at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church.

Christian, 81, died Aug. 8.

He led Avon Township from 1989 until a stroke forced him to resign in 2006.

He had also served on the Grayslake village board and on the Grayslake High School District 127 board, and he was active in the Grayslake Lions Club, the local Kiwanis organization and several other civic groups.

"He was a servant through and through," Ferkin said.

About 100 people attended the funeral at the Grayslake church. Ferkin was the only speaker but relayed a message from members of the Christian family, who were seated at the front of the church.

They described Christian as a loving man, remembered his quick wit and praised his strength and courage.

Christian was a U.S. Army veteran, and after the funeral his flag-draped casket was escorted by an Army honor guard detail and a kilted bagpiper.

Before the casket was loaded into a silver hearse, one of the soldiers played taps on a bugle. Both then folded the flag and presented it to Christian's widow, Shirley, who replaced him as township supervisor until losing election in 2009.

The crowd was silent during the solemn presentation ceremony.

The family wished the burial to be private.