Russell L. Sikkema age 89

Russell L. Sikkema, age 89 of Fulton, passed away peacefully at Rock River Hospice and Home on August 25, 2022. Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday Sept. 17th at the Rastrelli’s Restaurant from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
The youngest child of Jerry and Grace Sikkema, Russell grew up with his older siblings Renette, Gaylord, Henrietta, Allen, Arlene, and Pauline. He attended school in his hometown of Thomson, Illinois, and played basketball on the Thomson high school team; many of the players were life-long close friends. In 1951, he married Darlene Bielema, and together they had 3 sons, Loren, Jon, and Scott. He farmed, first in Thomson, and then in Fulton beginning in 1960, where he grew corn and soybeans, and raised cattle, pigs, and chickens. He participated for many years in bowling and softball leagues, and enjoyed watching and debating college basketball games. An avid fisherman throughout his life, he fished on the Mississippi, and on lakes in Wisconsin and Minnesota where he spent vacations with family and friends.
He was a founding member of Fulton Country Club, and served on the Fulton Flood Control Committee for many years. Woodworking was a favorite hobby, and many family and friends received gifts of his creations. He loved his daughter-in-law Cecelia, and he loved being a grandparent. Russell was a devoted reader, and in recognition of this, the family asks that any donations in his memory be made to the Schmaling Memorial Public Library Endowment.