Donald Rusch

Donald L. Rusch, 74 of Red Wing, died July 15, 2006 at the Red Wing Health Center. He was born in Red Wing on July 18, 1931. Don was placed in the Owatonna Orphanage in Owatonna, Minn. as a toddler. He was indentured to farms, primarily with the Charles Kittelson family in Litchfield, Minn. and the Vernon Brown family in Grove City, Minn. during his teenage years. He attended high school in Litchfield and graduated from Grove City High School in 1948. He enlisted and spent four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy 12/5/53 he served in the National Guard for several years. He married Sharon Swenson July 2, 1955 at St. Paul?s Lutheran Church in Red Wing. Don worked for a short time at NSP and the State of Minnesota, and then as an electrician with Pomerleau, Kask, and Walsh, retiring in July of 1993. He was a member of St. Paul?s Lutheran Church. Don was a member of the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54 of Red Wing and held one of the first Life Memberships presented to a member from the local organization. He served as Commander and actively supporting the Post on various committees. He was also a member of the Burnson Lillyblad VFW Post #1218, the Red Man Club, Elks Lodge BPOE #845 and IBEW Electrical Workers Union. He was a fast-pitch softball pitcher in the Navy, as well as with various local teams during his younger years. Don enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, golf, and singing. Survivors include his wife, Sharon; two sons, Craig and Kelly (Terry); daughter, Suzanne; sister, Mary; brother, Frank; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Rusch and sister, Jeanette Mann. Funeral wiil be 11 a.m. Friday, July 21, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Rev. Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20, with a 7 p.m. Legion prayer service at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the service.