Russell Michael Foster

Russell Foster, 76, of Elk Grove Village passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026. A beloved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, relative and friend, Russell will be dearly missed by those who loved him.

Russell is survived by his children Angela Foster, Marcella Harper, Sheridan (Mike) Moser, Khanisha Foster (fiancé Ben Stephens), and Gina (Robert) Leisses, his grandchildren Ashley, Alicia, Jo, Terra, Russell, Leni, Max/Nova, Jamel, Marcus, Marcell, Graciella, Guiliana, his great-grandchildren Brixton, London, Hendrix, Liah, and Aubriana, and his brothers Jim (Sandra) Foster and Richard Foster.

He is preceded in death by his parents George and Josephine Foster, and many of his siblings.

Russell was born in Chicago, IL on November 24th 1949 just after an incredible Thanksgiving Dinner. He was the tenth of twelve children. He had a natural intelligence and charisma and pursued anything and everything that had to do with science and the universe. By the time he was 18 he was serving in the U.S. Navy. He graduated with honors from his original assignment, but was sadly met with upheaval in his next one. His life was changed forever when he was taken to the desert one night and forcefully buried alive by his superiors and other men in his unit. He had heard earlier in the evening that Black men were disappearing from the base and he was next. Miraculously rescued by a fellow naval officer named Hollywood, he began his first run from the FBI. In the decades that followed, Russell fought against the consequences of the trauma that night caused. Realizing his experience wasn’t singular, Russell joined The Black Panther party in 1967.

Loving and loved by many, he fought his way back and created a life full of family connection and hard work. He was very proud to be a dad and often said that his daughters were his shining achievement. He earned several certifications in health care and went into nursing, in admiration of his mother’s career in the field. He eventually left nursing to take on a career in Food Service Management, where he could make a stronger living. He was so admired for his work that he often received fan letters from his customers, saying that his Popeye’s was like a five-star restaurant and it was all because of the stellar manager, Russell Foster. During that time, the FBI agent who had chased him all those years ago became a dear friend. The agent recommended that Russell become a Fugitive Retrieval Agent, because he was so successful on the run that he would be the best person to find others. He did his job with humanity and skill, always sure to sit across from the person and ask, “Are you done running yet?” — a question he had to ask himself when he had transformed his life many years before.

He is remembered for the abundant love he had for his children and family. He spent his life working diligently to make a world where his grandchildren could live as their full selves and know that they were loved beyond measure.

To know him is to know that he is 80's action movies and smooth jazz. He is perfectly polished white sneakers that are three decades old — not a scuff in sight. He says 'I love you' a million times in every conversation and he will comment in all capital letters under every Facebook post as if he is shouting out to the universe how proud he is of you. So in his honor...

DADDY, WE MISS YOU DEARLY. YOU BELIEVED IN US AN ALMOST SUPERNATURAL AMOUNT AND WE WILL CARRY YOU WITH US ALWAYS. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Friends and family will meet for visitation on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 3:30PM-6:30PM at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL. The funeral service will begin at 6:30PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Russell's name to the Gateway Foundation, https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/give-to-gateway/tribute-gifts/ would be greatly appreciated.