Obituary of Harry Russell Shuman

Harry Russell Shuman

August 26th, 1942 – July 28th, 2017

Harry Russell Shuman, 74, a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather passed away on July the 28th, 2017.

Harry Shuman was a private man in regards to discussing the personal details of his illness.  If you wanted to know the cause of his death, he would have told you that he would prefer to sit down and watch a Cardinals or Packers game and have a cup of coffee (more like 3 cups), sneak a piece of pie (more like 2) with you and talk about life.  Harry Shuman was also a brave man who lived each day with strength and dignity.  He never let his illness define him or prevent him from being there for his family.  Whether it was an anniversary dinner with his beloved wife Arletta, a holiday gathering, a grandchild’s graduation, wedding or sporting event, Harry was there to celebrate.  Therefore, I think Harry would not have wanted his obituary to focus on his illness or the cause of his death, but would much rather focus on the celebration of his life and those he shared his memories with.

He was born to Russell Carl Shuman and Dorothy Mae (Lenhart) Shuman on August 26th, 1942 in Tullahoma, Tennessee.  As a young man he resided in Milledgeville, IL where he attended school and worked on the family farm.

Harry was married to Arletta (Bradley) Shuman on November 27th, 1960.  They were married for 56 years and raised four children together.  After 27 years, Harry retired from Walgreens, where he worked in both the Sterling and Rock Falls, IL locations.  During their retirement, Arletta and Harry enjoyed traveling together on many adventures including Alaska and many trips to Branson, Missouri. Harry enjoyed working in the garden, antiquing and designing and building creative birdhouses. He loved feeding the birds, squirrels and mallard ducks in the backyard.   

Harry is survived by his beloved wife: Arletta (Bradley) Shuman; three sons: Michael Shuman and wife, Darcey of Lanark, IL; Lester Shuman and wife, Cathy of Rock Falls, IL; Justin Shuman and wife, Tonya of Sterling IL.; and his daughter: Lori Kinnaman and husband, Daniel Kinnaman of Hanover, IL.  

Harry is also survived by his three sisters: Carol Beers of Polo, IL. Judy Kitzmiller of Foreston, Il.; Pat Hokanson and husband Jeff of Port Byron, Il. ; Three brothers: Jim Shuman and wife Diane of Oregon, IL. ; Jody Shuman of Oregon, IL and Ronald Shuman of Polo, IL. ; Sister-in-law: Linda Chouinard of Sterling, IL. ; Eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Russell and Dorothy Shuman; sister-in-law: Bev Shuman; Brother-in-laws: Rene` Chouinard, David Bradley and John Kitzmiller and two beloved pets: Sir Mutley and Rusty Shuman.

Harry Shuman loved his family, his friends and just about every dog he and Arletta ever met.  Harry will be greatly missed by those he loved and those that loved him.

The visitation is from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, IL.  A private family grave side service will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established.

Harry… we will look forward to sharing another cup of coffee, a piece of pie and sharing stories with you one day soon, where I am sure no one will mind if you sneak another piece.