Obituary of Russell Earl Silberschlag

Russell Silberschlag (aka “Dusty” to cowboy action shooting friends and Buzz for those that knew him early in life) of Tucson AZ (formerly Glen Ellyn, IL) passed away 7/16/2022 after a short pulmonary illness at the age of 92.

Proceeded in death by his wife (Lynn) of 57 years, parents (Lorenzo & Edna), brother (Howard of IA), son (Ron of AZ). While being united with family and friends that passed before him, he leaves behind two daughters Nancy of AZ, Janet (Mark) in IL, daughter-in-law (Sue Zak of AZ), Grandson (Ethan in IL), cousins, seven nieces and nephews along with other family and friends.

Russ grew up in the Chicago suburbs during the depression. He retired from a distinguished 37-year career as a design engineer with the Spring Division of Borg Warner (Bellwood, IL) and moved to Tucson for retirement. He is listed as inventor and contributor on several patents. His career had him working with companies like GM, Ford, Harley Davidson, Bell Helicopter, etc. and he was a recipient of Borg Warner highest Innovators Award for his work on torque converters.

He lived a full life and had a lifetime of memories and experiences...

In the first half of his life - he was an avid motorcycle enthusiast building some of his own sooters and cycles. Enjoyed running enduros, hill climbs, taking motorcycle trips with family & friends to such places as AK, Daytona Beach, and being spectator at local motor racing events. He earned his Pilot’s license in 1965 and for many years flew his own prop plane – flying to many places just for pleasure. He was a member at the Oak Park Sportsman Club. He renovated two houses doing much of the work himself. Raised, showed, and judged both birds (parakeets) and dogs.

In retirement, (the 2^nd half of his life) as a member of SASS - he enjoyed competing in Cowboy action shooting. Was member of NRA, Tucson Gun & Rod Club and Los Vaqueros. Hobbies included reloading, gunsmithing, leatherworking, woodworking and continuing to convert ideas into designs. Russ always looked forward to working with retired UofA professor Steve Jacobs (deceased) where they collaborated on an “eye” project Steve was working on at U of A, the Tuesday night poker game with a small group of friends and Friday cribbage games with his cousin Ralph. Over the past several years he was passionate about learning & tinkering with a computer aided tabletop CNC machine!

Throughout his life - he loved to travel with family and friends. Can anyone say road trips. . . high school reunion cruises. . RV trips to cowboy shoots; work trips to Japan; vacation trips to places like Bahamas, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Hawaii. He remained an avid Indy car and Formula 1 race fan.

A memorial celebrating Russ’s life will be planned, communicated, and held at a future date.