Russell A. "Spike" Wennerstrom, age 78 of Lena, Illinois passed away on Saturday January 13, 2018 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. Russell was born on July 19, 1939 in Chicago, IL, the son of Russell F. and Elsa (Olson) Wennerstrom. He graduated from Lake View High School in Chicago. He married Shirley Nehls on May 27, 1961. Russell worked as a bricklayer until retiring. He lived in Downers Grove, IL until moving to Lena in 1999. Russell belonged to the Throttle Kings Car Club in Chicago and the Puckerville Model A Club. He enjoyed buying and selling antiques and fishing at Lake Lucerne in Northern Wisconsin.

Russell is survived by his wife Shirley of Lena; sons- Russell (Jenny) and Allen (Mary) both of Downers Grove; 4 grandchildren- Alex, Jake, Madelyn and Steven; Daughter-in-law Tracy Wennerstrom of LaGrange Park, IL; Sisters June Tazelar of Ohio and Lois (Art) Smith of Itasca, IL; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law Richard (Phyllis) Nehls of North Brook, IL and Frederick Nehls of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law Barbara (Joe) Endres of Fort Wayne, IN.

He was preceded in death by his sister Patty Wennerstrom, parents, and a son Gregory Steven Wennerstrom.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m.

Cremation rites to follow.