Obituary of Delbert Rusche

Delbert Henry Rusche, the son of Henry and Dora (Dass) Rusche, was born on February 22, 1928 near Ocheyedan, Iowa. He received his education in the Ocheyedan Community School system and graduated in 1946 from Ocheyedan High School. He was united in marriage to Geraldine (Gerry) Pearson on February 21, 1947 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Worthington, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with three children: Darvin, Karen and Robert. Following their marriage the couple farmed with Delbert’s father near Ocheyedan. In 1951 they moved to a farm southeast of May City, where they raised their children and farmed for 39 years. He and Gerry retired in 1990 and moved to Hartley, where they enjoyed their retirement years. In mid-July, Delbert was diagnosed with cancer. After a courageous battle, he passed away at the Spencer Municipal Hospital on Thursday, December 3, 2009, at the age of 81. Delbert was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City. He and Gerry enjoyed 25 years of wintering in Texas together. Delbert enjoyed Christmas decorations, crafts, collecting red toy tractors and watching all sports. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom he was known as “Grandpa with the Tic Tacs.” He is survived by his wife, Gerry, the love of his life for 62 years; three children: Darvin (Mary) Rusche of Archer, Iowa, Karen (Gary) Huntley of Gaylord, Minnesota and Robert (Deb) Rusche of Hartley, Iowa; nine grandchildren: Jason (Elena) Huntley of NYA, Minnesota, Brian Huntley of St. Joseph, Minnesota, Damon (Melanie) Rusche of Omaha, Nebraska, Tammi (Josh) Bottjen of Primghar, Iowa and their children, Haley, Breana, Peter and David, Brandon (Jennifer) Rusche of Sibley, Iowa, and their children, Rachel and Reagan, Becky (Mike) McCuddin of Sheldon, Iowa, and their children, Kelsey and Kyler, Dustin Rusche of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Kevin Huntley of Chaska, Minnesota and Matthew Rusche of Sheldon, Iowa; a sister: Marzella Sandersfeld of May City; other relatives and many friends. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Daniel Rusche. A Celebration of Life Delbert H. Rusche Born ~ February 22, 1928 Died ~ December 3, 2009 Age ~ 81 years 9 months 11 days Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 7, 2009 St. John’s Lutheran Church ~ May City, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Paul Johnson Organist ~ Luella Heilman Soloist ~ Dustin Rusche “The Lord’s Prayer” “On Eagle’s Wings” Congregational Singing “Just As I Am” “Amazing Grace” “In the Garden” Poem ~ Becky McCuddin “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me” Pallbearers ~ Grandchildren Jason Huntley Brian Huntley Damon Rusche Tammi Bottjen Brandon Rusche Becky McCuddin Dustin Rusche Kevin Huntley Matthew Rusche Honorary Pallbearers ~ Great-grandchildren Haley Bottjen Breana Bottjen Peter Bottjen David Bottjen Rachel Rusche Reagan Rusche Kelsey McCuddin Kyler McCuddin Ushers Don Rasmussen Earl Baish Russ Holst Interment Ocheyedan Township Cemetery ~ Ocheyedan, Iowa