Ruslan Michael Martin

Ruslan Michael Martin, 18, of Lake Forest, Illinois, passed away on July 31, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and joy. Born on May 21, 2007, in Russia, Ruslan’s life changed forever when he was adopted by Ronald and Ruth Martin in January of 2013. From the moment he joined their family, he brought immeasurable joy, laughter, an exuberant sense of fun, and love into their lives.

Ruslan was a 2025 graduate of Lake Forest High School. His education also included Cherokee Elementary School, Deer Path Middle School, and Charles H. Walsh Academy. He was known for his gentle caring spirit, playful nature, and unwavering loyalty.

He loved sports and was a natural athlete. Early sports included soccer, flag football, cross country, and track. In High School he was on the football, wrestling, and volleyball teams. He earned his varsity letter in wrestling during his freshman year. Being part of a team meant the world to him. Ruslan especially loved woodworking and was most natural when working with his hands — crafting, fixing, and building.

Ruslan was raised in Christ Church Lake Forest. In fact, on his second day in this country, he was at church. Ruslan faithfully volunteered in the toddlers and nursery Sunday School program. He had a special connection with young children and was always kind, caring, and attentive to them. As a member of SHYG (Senior High Youth Group), he grew in his faith and served on mission trips to Galveston, Texas, and the Dominican Republic, helping build homes and connect with communities in need. On November 26, 2022, Ruslan made a personal commitment to follow Christ.

Ruslan had a deeply observant and loyal soul. He paid attention to the people and moments others often overlooked, and his presence brought comfort and joy to those around him. When Ruslan was around people he knew, he was the clown, the thoughtful one, the mischievous one; always with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. Ruslan could be a force – when you interacted with him, you were changed; to know him was to love him.

Ruslan’s life on this earth was far too short. We are devastated by his loss and the giant hole in our hearts will never be filled. We will remember the joy he brought to our lives and take comfort in the hope that we will see him again.

He is survived by his loving parents, Ronald Morris Martin and Ruth Louise Martin; his brother and sister-in-law, Nathaniel and Eileen Martin of Plainfield, IL; and his grandfather, Morris Martin of Condon, OR.

He was a beloved nephew to Betty & Larry Babb, Al Heyer, Laura May Heyer, Walter & Laura Heyer, Carol Fifer, Kathy Martin, and Michelle Martin.

He will be lovingly remembered by his cousins: David Babb, Stephen & Iris Babb, Jennifer & John Sumner, Tom & Lindsey Heyer, Kathryn & Justin Martin, Micaiah Erickson, Miriam & Jonathan Moravec, Josiah and Alina Martin, Sarah Martin, Bethany and Michael Felsher, Theo and Francois Neveu-Martin, and Charity and Dylan White; and many other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please donate to iCare4 Adoptive and Foster Families in honor of Ruslan. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 N Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045. The funeral service will take place the following day, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church Lake Forest. Interment will follow at Lake Forest Cemetery.

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