Obituaries: Oyer

Russell Oyer

Dr. Russell L. Oyer, 97, Bloomington, died at 3:58 a.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Bluffton University, J.S. and Sara Schultz Scholarship Fund, 1 University Drive, Bluffton, Ohio 45817. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Chenoa is assisting the family with arrangements.

Russell was born on Sept. 27, 1920 in rural Tazewell County near Morton, Ill., a son of Peter W. Oyer & Ada Viola Sann. He married Lora S Schultz on June 24, 1944 in Bluffton, Ohio.

Surviving are; three sons, Frederick S. (Darlene) Oyer of Inverness, Ill., Rodney A. (Susan) Oyer of Arlington, Texas and Joel T. (Linda) Oyer of Tyler, Texas; five grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Arthur Oyer and one sister, Margret (Oyer) Mosiman.

After practicing medicine for more than 42 years, 37 of which were in Chenoa, Ill., he retired in 1990, when he was in his seventieth year. Russell enjoyed writing as a means of personal expression as he attempted to cope with various experiences of life. He wrote out of his own interest in trying to discover and to ponder ultimate meaning.

Over the years, both he and Lora were actively involved in school, community and church affairs. Among many acknowledgments of his commitment to community service, he was recognized by the Illinois State Medical Society for his service to school athletics.

Russ was a loving husband for over 71 years, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather, he will be dearly missed. A guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

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