Russell Schupmann

Russell Philip Schupmann passed from this life, Sept. 18, 2015 after a four-year battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 8, 1959 in Hinsdale, Illinois to Carl and Wilma Schupmann. The youngest of four boys, Russ grew up in Downer's Grove, a suburb of Chicago, where he developed a deep love for the Chicago Cubs. Russ was an active child who enjoyed playing wiffle ball with his brothers and lifeguarding in the summers. He graduated from Downer's Grove North High School in 1977, where he played linebacker for the Downer's Grove North Trojans. As the son of an educator, Russ had a passion for learning and began his journey in education as a student at Iowa State University, where he majored in biology and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1981. As a student at ISU, Russ developed a passion for music, often camping out for tickets to see his favorite bands in concert. He and his dorm hall friends formed a band of their own, called "The Rubber Band," and sang cover songs of the Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival. After four years at ISU, Russ moved to Houston, Texas, where he taught science and coached at North Shore Middle School for two years before he transitioned to North Shore High School, where he was a teacher, coach and administrator. North Shore Middle School is also where Russ met Lynn Rodda, a special education teacher who would later become his wife in the summer of 1984. After his son and daughter were born, Russ and his family moved to Red Oak in the fall 1989 when he was offered a job as the principal of Red Oak Intermediate. He spent five years as principal of ROI before becoming the principal at Red Oak Junior High. After four years at ROJH, Russ accepted a position as principal of Red Oak High School, where he worked for eight years before becoming an assistant superintendent for Red Oak ISD. Russ was an integral part of the passing of Red Oak ISD's 2007 bond initiative, which included the building of a new elementary and a new high school campus. In spring of 2015, Red Oak ISD named its fifth elementary campus after Russ. Russell P. Schupmann Elementary opened its doors to students this August. Russ was a longtime member of The First United Methodist Church of Red Oak, where he taught Sunday School for 25 years and sang in the church choir. He was a talented cook, an avid golfer and a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed reading, watching Seinfeld and spending time with friends and family, including his twin brother Dave, with whom he shared a deep bond. An educator for 33 years, Russ was respected and admired by countless students, teachers and colleagues who witnessed his "thumbs-up" attitude and unconditional love for students and staff. At the core of his being, he cared most about building relationships with others. His wife and kids will remember his joyous spirit, his keen sense of humor and his unfailing faith. Survivors include Russ's wife of 31 years, Lynn, son Eric, daughter Melissa and her husband Colin, brothers David and his wife Laurie, Scott and his wife Aileen, Gordon and his wife Viv, and parents Carl and Wilma. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces. A service to celebrate Russ's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at The Oaks Fellowship, 777 S I-35E, Red Oak, TX, 75154. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Alex's Lemonade Stand or the Red Oak ISD Education Foundation. Arrangement are under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie, Texas. www.waynebozefuneralhome.com

Previous Events