Russ Lindert - TA/ D 3222

Always enjoyed seeing him and talking to him when he was at the races. Was definitely what you would call a 'true racer.' Also a true gentleman. Very saddened to hear this news, and I send my prayers and condolences to his family.

Albert W. “Russ” Lindert, 79, of Manteno, passed away Dec. 30, 2017, at his home.

He was born Feb. 16, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of Albert W. and Ruth Harrison Lindert.

On Dec. 10, 1955, Russ married JoAnn DeFrank in Geneva.

Russ was a 50-year member of the National Hot Rod Association as a participant. He was a founder of the United Drag Races Association and served on the board of directors. Russ was instrumental in forming Thorn Creek Preservation Association and served as the vice president.

He enjoyed building and racing his own alcohol dragsters. He was a graduate of Bloom Township High School. He also attended Prairie State College, Amarillo College, Wichita State and Purdue Extension at Lafayette, Ind. Russ was a devoted Chicago Bears fan.

Russ was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1956 to 1960.

Surviving are his wife, of Manteno; three daughters, Jennifer (Patrick) O’Reilly, of Geyserville, Calif., Sarah (John) Kukla, of Lombard, and Susan Slavin, of Elmhurst; five grandchildren, Christopher O’Reilly, Kyle O’Reilly, Janelle Kukla, Jack Slavin and Olivia Slavin; two sisters, Elizabeth (Rick) Friedman, of Fox Point, Wis., and Penny (Bijay) Roy, of Inverness; two brothers, Peter (Linda) Lindert, of Davis, Calif., and David (Theresa) Lindert, of Wheeling, W.V.; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one sister, Polly Olfe.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorial visitation will be from 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, until the 4 p.m. memorial commemoration of his life at the Manteno Sportsmen’s Club, 851 N. Main St., Manteno.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, The Salvation Army or The Manteno Food Pantry.

Please sign his online guestbook at clancygernon.com.