Daniel Rusch, 78

Daniel Floyd Rusch, 78, passed away March 9, 2013 at Lake Country Assisted Living Inc. in Brandon.

Dan was born March 17, 1934 to Ehrhardt and Bertha (Deschner) Rusch and spent his childhood years living and working on the family farm near Wheaton with his five brothers and a sister. He graduated from Wheaton High School and married Joyce Hess on August 11, 1953. They were blessed with five children.

Although Dan loved farming with his family, he opted to try his hand at home construction, joining Fridgen Construction of Dumont. Several years later, he began Rusch Construction, and in the summer of 1969, moved his family to Brandon. Working with his sons and several crew members, Dan’s business was instrumental in the development of many new homes in the city of Brandon and the surrounding area, and has continued under the ownership of his son, Devin. For a short period of time, Dan and his sons also owned and operated a lumber yard in Barrett.

Dan was an active member of the Brandon Fin and Feather (sportsmen’s) Club as well as the Brandon Fire Department, for which he ultimately served as fire chief.

In 1984, Dan moved to Glendale, Arizona and worked as a foreman with Shuck and Sons Construction Company, Inc. until his retirement at age 65. Dan’s plan for retirement was to move to Colorado, where he and his brother, Eldon, had worked together to build a small hobby ranch. They planned to spend their retirement years enjoying each other’s company and sharing their passion for hunting and fishing. Dan’s relocation to Colorado coincided with his brother’s untimely death, and Dan returned to Brandon, where he began a business partnership with his son, Devin. Together they owned and operated DnR Sports for several years, until his second retirement.

For all who knew and loved Dan, he will undoubtedly be remembered for his love and enjoyment of the great outdoors. Dan enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing with friends, brothers, children and grandchildren in the mountains of Colorado, in the land of lakes and woods in the Midwest and on trips to Alaska and Newfoundland. Dan had a great sense of humor, keeping the recipients of it on their toes.

Dan is survived by five children, DaNell Rusch of Chandler, AZ, Devin (Elizabeth) Rusch of Brandon, Jerolyn (Dean) Johnson of Roseau, Gina Gentry of La Crosse, WI and Natalie (David) Anderson of Evansville; three brothers and a sister, Cecil Rusch, Gerald (Betty) Rusch, Orval Rusch and Pearl (Lee) Behrens, all of Wheaton; 12 grandchildren, Benjamin (Amber) Rusch of Brandon, Levi (Kelly) Johnson of Bremerton, WA, Sarah (Brian) Preusser of Brooklyn Park, Mahrie (Chris) Ohren of Evansville, Lydia Johnson (fiancé, Brandon Bengtson) of Willmar, Daniel (Amber) Gentry of Bangor, WI, Dannon Rusch (special friend, Morgan le Seth) of Chandler, AZ, Dallas (Jessica) Anderson of Evansville, Andrew Gentry of La Crosse, WI, Christopher Anderson of Evansville, Kaulin Rusch (special friend, Rebecca Morris) of Gilbert, AZ and Carlin Johnson of Roseau; four great-grandchildren, Alexandrea, Landon, Danero and Tatum; three step-great-grandchildren, Zackary, Stevie and Aubree; and three great-grandchildren on the way.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Leonard and Eldon.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon with the Rev. Dennis Preston officiating. Honorary urn bearers are the Brandon Fire Department members and all who called Dan a friend.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home and also on Saturday for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

A00009B2013MR15

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions