Walter Alfred Rusch, aka “Wally” or “Butch,” 85, Oconto Falls, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon, Feb. 21, 2022, at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay, with his wife and children present following a short illness. Wally was born in Gillett to Walter and Edna (Zastrow) Rusch and shared his growing up years with his older sister Janet and younger brother, Clyde. Youngest sister Rellen came along, and they shared a special friendship to the end.
Having met his wife in their teens, the couple would have celebrated 67 years of marriage this March 10, 2022. With Jane by his side, Wally built a successful trucking business, starting with one truck that he built piece by piece. Wally made numerous business acquaintances, some who became friends he held dear over the years. After years of hard work, he spent less time trucking and more time buying and selling used trucks and equipment, which he enjoyed right up until the end. Jane supported him not only with the business but by managing a household full of children.
Survivors are his wife Jane; daughters, Dawn (Steve), Karen (Chris), Janice (Mike), Luann (Ken) and Jennifer (Jon); sons, Kevin (Chris), Billy (Kelly) and Darren; sister, Rellen (Chuck); niece, Beth (Pat); and many grandchildren whom he loved dearly for their unique and special personalities.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark; daughter, Debra; brother, Clyde; sister, Janet; two grandsons, Christopher and Zachery; and two brothers-in-law, William and Jack Johnston.
Visitation will be held 2-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls with a celebration of his life at 7 p.m., which Pastor Larry Bong will lead.
The Rusch family would like to thank the kind and generous staff at Bellin Memorial Hospital, specifically ICU and nurse Michong for their support, care and compassion.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Shriner Children’s Hospital.
Walter A. Rusch
