Earl V. Christell, age 90, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the Norwest Community Hospital with his family at his side. He was born on September 24, 1927 in Oak Park, IL the son of Vally Christian and Anna Pearl (Olson) Christell. Earl served in the US Navy during WWII, receiving both the World War Victory Medal and the American Area Campaign Medal. He married Linda Jean Valentine on September 29, 1973 in Richmond, IL. Earl worked as a Tool Engineer at Eaton Corporation, retiring in 1992. Member of the Rochelle United Methodist Church and life member of the V.F.W. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Jack Christell.

Survived by wife, Linda of Rochelle, 5 children: Neil (Pam) Christell of West Chicago, IL, Eileen (Lloyd) Crisp of St. Charles, IL, Susan Teskey of Johnson City, NY, Lisa (Gus) Sandri of Wheaton, IL, and Joel (Jessica) Christell of Palatine, IL; 13 grandchildren: Tania Crisp of Tempe, AZ, Melissa (Jason) Fugiel of Elgin, IL, Brandon (Carly) Crisp of Oswego, IL, Alison (Jake) Thurm of Naperville, IL, Sherilyn (Joe) Rizer of Geneva, IL, Jaclyn (Ryan) Cope of Batavia, IL, Brett (Wendy) Kline of Arizona City, AZ, Justin (Megan) Kline of Lake in the Hills, IL, Alex (Elly) Teskey of North Windham, CT, August Sandri of Milwaukee, WI, Zachary Sandri of Chicago, IL, Christianna Sandri of Wheaton, IL and Jackson Christell of Palatine, IL; 16 great-grandchildren: Taylor and Bryan Bell, Julia and Cameron Fugiel, Cody and Abel Crisp, Tristan and Caden Thurm, Maycee and Benjamin Earl Rizer, Brittany and Casandra Kline, Alexus Benesh, Austin Kline and Sophia Rivera; and sister-in-law, Shirley Christell.

Visitation will be from 4 - 8 pm on Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th ST., Rochelle. Funeral will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Rochelle United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob Hamilton officiating. Military Services will be provided by the Navy and the Eastern Lee Ogle Honor Guard at the Church with cremation rites to follow services. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Rochelle United Methodist Church or the Eastern Lee Ogle Honor Guard. Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com