Russell C. Vroman

Russell Cole Vroman, age 90, of East Peoria, IL passed away on November 14, 2021. He was born on December 9, 1930 in Philipsburg, PA to Russell and Cathryn (Cole) Vroman. He married Donna Negley on February 12, 1954 at the Trivoli Methodist Church with their college pastor officiating. Russell is survived by Donna, his wife of 67 years, and their children, David (Gail) Vroman of Washington, IL, Susan (Jim) Phillis of Hendersonville, NC, Gary (Julie) Vroman of Hartland, WI, and Barbara Mintert of Lake in the Hills, IL. Russell was a loving and dedicated husband and father who always made his family his top priority. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Kristen Vroman, Michael (Diane) Vroman, Matthew Vroman, Katie Vroman, Bradley (Lauren) Phillis, Bethany Phillis, Benjamin Phillis, Jennifer (Kyle) Olmschenk, Sarah Vroman, Jeffrey (Mallory) Mintert, Laura Mintert, and eight great-grandchildren. Russ was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Carol Karow. Russell honorably served in the United States Army, First Cavalry Division, in Japan from 1953 to 1955. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Illinois University in 1953 and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Bradley University in 1963. He was a music educator for 33 years, teaching the last 25 years at East Peoria Community High School where he was the Music Department Chairman. As Director of Bands, prior to his retirement in 1989, he influenced the lives of hundreds of students at EPCHS, including each of his four children. He was inducted into the American School Band Directors Association in 1971, served as National Archives Committee Chairman from 1988 to 2014, and in 2007 was awarded the A. Austin Harding Award for dedicated service and outstanding personal contribution. He received the Bradley University Varsity Club Billy Stone Award in 2018. Russell was also a part-time instructor at Illinois Central College in the Behavioral Science Department for 30 years. Russ was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, IL, where he served as an elder and trustee. He organized the Grace Symphonic Winds in 1986 and served as conductor until 2000. He shared a home Bible study with Donna and longtime friends for more than 40 years. Russell served as a volunteer at Proctor Hospital for many years. He also enjoyed 20 years as a private pilot and loved his annual camping and fly-fishing trips back to his childhood home in central Pennsylvania. The family will be eternally grateful for the wonderful care provided by Dr. Tim LaHood and the staff at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka. A visitation will be held from 4-6 PM on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria. Funeral services officiated by Russell’s son-in-law, Dr. James Phillis, will be private. Burial will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Apostolic Christian Home Eureka or Grace Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Russell C. Vroman

December 9, 1930 - November 14, 2021