Russell Ulyses Claudin

Russell Ulyses Claudin, 89, passed from this life to his eternal home with Jesus on January 1, 2026 after an extended illness with kidney disease. He was born July 6, 1936, in Peoria, IL, to Alfred and Dora (Strantz) Claudin. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Willis “Gene” and Alfred “Jim.” Russ married the love of his life, Doris “Pat” McKune on May 5, 1957, in Peoria, IL. Most of their 68 years of married life was spent in the Peoria and Morton, IL, areas until moving to Knoxville, TN, in 2024 where they could be more closely cared for by family.

Surviving are his wife, Pat; three sons, Scott of Surprise, AZ; Mark (Kim) of Lakewood, CO; Ryan (Jen) of Bonsall, CA; one daughter, Kelli Zehr (Jim) of Knoxville, TN; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Claudin and Susan McKune; grandchildren, David, Stefani, Kylie and Addison; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Hollie, Jayden, Charley and Ryker; one great-great-grandchild, Penelope; along with many nieces and nephews.

Russ was a graduate of Manual High School. He started his career at Keystone Steel & Wire where he worked nearly 10 years. As a jack-of-all-trades, Russ tried his hat in many different areas including sales and real estate. He was creative and had an entrepreneurial spirit which led to starting up his own businesses on two occasions. Known most for his good sense of humor and quick wit, Russ loved to make people laugh. Even late in life at a senior living facility, the staff got a kick out of listening to Russ flirt with his wife and use pick-up lines on her while sitting in the lobby. He often teased the other residents telling them they were speeding down the hall or going the wrong way. Evident to all, though, was his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. He was bold in his testimony and talked frequently of looking forward to the day he would see his Savior face to face. Russ was a member of Trinity Church in Morton, IL, where he previously assisted with the church food bank and regularly participated in the men’s prayer group. Prior to joining Trinity Church, Russ was a long-time member of Faith Missionary Church in Peoria, IL, where he served on various committees over the years.

In keeping with his wishes, a cremation has been arranged and interment will take place at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, IL. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring due to winter weather conditions and travel needs for the immediate family. Details regarding the service will be shared at a later date through social media and other digital forms of communication.