David H. Russell Englewood, Florida - David H. Russell, 84, passed away on December 24, 2023 with his loving family by his side.

He was born December 30, 1938 in Cuba City, WI, the son of Harry and Delores (Wilson) Russell. He grew up in DeKalb and graduated from Dekalb High School. Dave received a Bachelor's degree from Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL. He obtained two Master's degrees from NIU.

He was married to the love of his life, Conna Doreen Brauer on December 21, 1963.

He began his teaching and coaching career in Malta, IL in 1962. He then moved to Genoa, IL in 1965 where he taught 8th Grade Math and Science for 18 years and became middle school Principal in 1981. In 1984, he moved to the high school where he taught physical education and served in the roles of Assistant Athletic Director and Assistant Principal until retiring in 1994.

During his time at Genoa-Kingston High School, he coached high school football, basketball and track. In 1972, he became head varsity boys football coach where he compiled a career record of 153-51-1. During this time, his teams won 8 Conference Championships, qualified for the State Playoffs 11 times and were the Illinois Class 1A State Champs in 1977 with a record of 13-0. He was head varsity boys track coach for 24 years winning many conference titles.

Though he was coach, mentor, and remains friends to many of his former players and students, his greatest pride and joy were his three children. He loved coaching Chad, Shane and Stacy and watching them compete. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and attended as many of their games as he could and when he could not attend, he was streaming them.

Dave and Connie spent summers with their children, grandchildren, extended family and close friends on Rock Lake in Lake Mills, WI enjoying boating, skiing and beautiful sunsets. In 1998, they moved to Manasota Key, FL where they made many memories with family and friends while maintaining their summer home in WI. Dave was a member of Fellowship Church of Englewood.

He was co-founder of the G-K Quarterback Club that eventually became the G-K Booster Club. He started the G-K Youth Football league in 1978. In 1993, the G-K High School's football field was named "Russell Field" in his honor and in 1994, he was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He was also a part of the 2015 GKHS inaugural Hall of Fame class.

He loved watching the Cubs and Bears. As a former coach, it would many times make his blood pressure rise because he knew there were better plays to be had!

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Connie, of 60 years, his sons Chad, Shane (Julie) and daughter Stacy (fiancé Tim Murphy), grandchildren Collin, Jacob, Abigail, Sean, Samantha, Alyssa and Ryan, sister Barbara Andresen, sister-in-law Kathy Brauer, brother-in-law Curt Brauer, brother-in-law Chuck Szymborski and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Jay Martin, parents Harry and Delores, in-laws Tip and Dorothy Brauer, sisters Carol Jane, Marilynn and Delores (Dodie) Szymborski, brothers-in-law Paul Andresen and Chuck Brauer.

The visitation will be January 5, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Slater-Butala Funeral Home, 132 W. Main Street, Genoa, IL.

Funeral services will be January 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at Crosswinds Church, 13100 Cherry Rd., Genoa, IL with Pastor James Freund officiating. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery, DeKalb, IL.

A Celebration of Life will take place following the burial at the Genoa VFW, 311 S. Washington Street, Genoa where friends may share their favorite stories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the David H. Russell Memorial Fund in care of Slater-Butala Funeral Home to be contributed to G-K Booster Club, G-K Education Foundation and Mayo Clinic.