Russell "Russ" Bass

Russell “Russ” Bass, 92, passed away peacefully at his home in Morton, IL at 11:06 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 12, 1922 in La Rose, IL to Harry and Edna (Camp) Bass. Russ attended school in Toluca, IL and was a member of the National Guard. He was a WWII Navy Veteran earning the rank of Boatswain Mate First Class. Surviving is his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Nellie (Naisen) Bass. They were married on October 29, 1964. Also surviving are his son, Ronald Bass of Indianapolis; daughters, Joan (Al) Sondag and Jane (Rod) Getz both of East Peoria; sister, Phyllis Prunty of Atlanta, GA; 7 grandchildren, Tammy (Jimmy) Beasley, Tim Bass, Julie Williams, Jim Williams, Jesse (Cara) Getz, Jason (Lindsey) Getz, Brittany (Micah) Lavender; and 14 great-grandchildren. Russ was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jim Alexander; and brothers, Henry “Hank” Bass, Buford “Duffy” Bass, and Rodger Bass. Russ worked for Eighmy Equipment and Peoria Tractor and then formed Bass Equipment Sales. As a world renowned salesman, Russ’s sales career spanned more than 63 years. He was a member of the Hilton Masonic Lodge 1143 in East Peoria, Mohammed Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Peoria, Legion of Honor (Past Commander), Royal Order of Jesters, Morton American Legion, East Peoria VFW, Associated General Contractors, and board member of the Illinois Land Conservation Association. Russ enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in Illinois, Florida and Minnesota. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing and the St. Louis Cardinals. His true passion was talking with people. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by Masonic Services on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. Russ’s Funeral Service with Military Honors will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 at the Funeral Home, with Pastor Kent Smith officiating. Entombment will be at American Mausoleum at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mohammed Temple Shrine of East Peoria, OSF Hospice, or Boys and Girls Club of Peoria.

Russell "Russ" Bass

August 12, 1922 - May 8, 2015