Frank Russell Schanz

Frank “Russ” Russell Schanz, age 90, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A faithful servant of the Lord, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend, Russ lived a life marked by integrity, hard work, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family.

Russ was born on July 7, 1936, at Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to Frederick William Schanz (a WW1 Veteran) and Lille Florence Schanz. From a young age, his intelligence and determination were evident. He skipped a grade in school and graduated early from Lane Technical High School in January 1953. An accomplished multi-sport athlete, Russ excelled in basketball and baseball, and also played football for the Chicago “Junior” Bears at Wrigley Field during halftime of all Bears home games. As a teenager in the summer, he worked at Wrigley Field, where he enjoyed catching countless Cubs games, beginning a lifelong love for the Cubs and Bears.

On November 17, 1956, Russ married the love of his life, Joan Faith Eising, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Chicago. Together they built a beautiful life and shared nearly seven decades of marriage, grounded in faith, love, and devotion.

Shortly after marrying, Russ enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served as an Army Specialist Engineer stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. Following his military service, Russ and Joan settled in Wonder Lake, Illinois, in 1959, where they raised their three children: John (Laura), Joanne (Tyson), and James (Renee).

Russ built an impressive career as an architect and project manager with Walker Parking Consultants. His work left a lasting impact across the country, contributing to the designs for Mall of America parking structures, Disney properties, the University of Central Florida, Denver International Airport, Tampa International Airport, just to name a few, plus numerous developments throughout Chicagoland. His intelligence, precision, and remarkable work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues throughout his career. In 1995, his work brought him and Joan to Florida, where they made their home for the next 30 years.

Between 1996 and 2006, Russ and Joan were blessed with eight grandchildren who brought him endless pride and joy: Emily Pavelsek (Chris), Merin Klug (Mitch), Madeleine Schanz, Aidan Schanz, Bryana Schanz, Camryn Schanz, Delaney Schanz, and Magnus Schanz. Russ cherished every opportunity to spend time with his growing family and was later overjoyed to become a great-grandfather to Madden Klug, Theodore Pavelsek, Bauer Klug, and Mason “Russell” Pavelsek, who proudly carries his great-grandfather’s middle name.

In 2025, Russ returned north, where he resided in Genoa City, Wisconsin. Just days before his passing, he celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Faith was the foundation of Russ’s life. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woodstock, Illinois, and later Faith Lutheran Church in Dunedin, Florida. He also shared his faith by teaching Sunday school for many years at Zion Lutheran Church in McHenry and St. John’s Lutheran Church, faithfully passing God’s Word on to younger generations.

Russ will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his tireless work ethic, and his unmistakable wit. He had a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could brighten any room and a quick remark that kept family and friends smiling. When he wasn’t designing parking structures, he enjoyed being outside, tending to the 20 acre farm and house that he built, fishing and playing sports with his kids, and watching his two favorite teams - Cubs and Bears, usually accompanied by an ice-cold Schlitz beer in his hand. Above all, he lived a life of quiet strength, humility, generosity, and steadfast faith.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick William Schanz and Lille Florence Schanz; his daughter Joanne; his brother Frederick Robert Schanz, sister-in-law Barbara Schanz, brother-in-law Frank Jackson, and sister-in law Audrey Jackson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Schanz; his children, John (Laura) Schanz and James (Renee) Schanz; his son-in-law Tyson Mundt; his eight grandchildren; his four great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

The family would also like to thank their neighbors and friends, Louise, Zach and Kate, chaplain Angie, as well as his nurses, therapists, and caretakers including Molly, Kristi, Shauna, Amanda, Renee, Kim, Shannon, and Sherry, along with every nurse and doctor who supported Russ.

Russ’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply, the faith he lived so faithfully, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, humor, and example. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he has been welcomed home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Services for Russ will be held on Wednesday July 22nd, 2026 at 3:00pm, with Military Honors, in the main chapel of Derrick Funeral Home. A visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 1:00pm. 

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Russ's family.