William Corbett

William R. “Russ” Corbett of Savanna, Illinois, died, Saturday, October 1, 2016, at the University Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Burial will take place in Savanna Township Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in Russ’ memory.
Russ was born October 5, 1919, on a farm in Washington Township near Savanna. Russ married Helen Halse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1946, and they were together for 20 years until she passed away. Russ later married Joyce Plosch and combined the two families: Dale (Bette) Corbett, Cynthia (Ron) Miazga, Ronald Plosch, Jr., and Michael (Janet) Plosch. The family also includes six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Russ and Joyce were married almost 49 years.
Russ was devoted to his daughter, son, step-sons, and grandchildren, and especially enjoyed family get-togethers and playing cards. He had many beloved pets, both cats and dogs, over the years.
Russ enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and served in the Soloman Islands. When discharged after the war in 1945, he returned to Savanna and worked at the Savanna Army Depot for 30 years.
He enjoyed playing softball with his friends on a Savanna Army Depot team. In later years, he coached little league for the boys and attended all their sporting events as they went through school. After retiring, his time was spent fishing, golfing, and traveling. Russ and Joyce especially loved fishing in the slough areas of the Army Depot. Russ was also a long time Chicago Cubs fan. He was active for many years in the United Methodist Church and served a few years as janitor.
Russ was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Mae (Davis) Corbett and father, Samuel Corbett; five sisters, Helen Parker, Beulah Pratt, Clara Corbett, Grace Corbett, Emma Isenhart; and two brothers, Wilbur Corbett and Frances Corbett.
Russ will be remembered with much love.