1932
2017
Henry William Rusch, 85, died Friday May 19, 2017, in Chicago surrounded by loved ones.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Ruth (Heil) Rusch; daughters Ruth Marie Rusch, Laura Kay Nitanda (Jim), Barbara Jean Zeman (Mike), Karen June DeZetter (Jim), and April Suzanne Rusch (Jeremy Hodges); grandchildren, Marie Elizabeth DeZetter, Anthony Michael Zeman, and William Scott Zeman; nephews Edward Allen Rusch, Jaime Michael Rusch, and Lee Allen Michael Rusch; sister-in-law Diane (Dottie) Rusch, brother-in-law John Heil; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and life-long friends. He was also Godfather to his cousin David Blanke and a good friend's son Lawrence Brewer.
Henry was born March 11, 1932, in his Grandparent's (Marie and Henry Yost) house on the south side of Chicago to Christ and Marie (Yost) Rusch. He was baptized, confirmed and married at his family's church, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dolton, IL. He also attended school there until the eighth grade. He graduated from Chicago Vocational High School in 1950. Shortly after graduating he started working at Acme Steel. Working there was a family affair. His grandfather, father, uncles and cousins all worked there as well. He was a proud member of AFLCIO Steel Workers Union and made life-long friends. After working there for 35 years as a pipefitter/welder, he retired in 1985.
Henry's life-long love of road trips started young with family trips to Idaho to visit family members. As a young man, he traveled the US with his friends. As a family man, he would pack up his family, hitch up a trailer and head west for entire summers. His last road trip was this past summer, back to Idaho for a family reunion. As a young man, Henry enjoyed scuba diving, stock car racing and bowling. He was active in leagues both at church and work.
Henry married his wife Mary on his 29th birthday, March 11, 1961. They lived in Chicago and South Holland, IL before moving the family to Peotone, IL in 1972. Raising his daughters in Peotone, he was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ.
After retirement, Henry and his wife, along with the youngest daughter, April, moved to Farmington, New Mexico. There he was active in an archeology club that went on digs to Native American sites. Moving to Durango, CO in 1992. He had an active social life with his coffee buddies Harry, Cecil, Joe, Al, Ray and Nick. During this time Henry could be found up in Silverton, CO helping his wife in her business, Mad Mamma's Pies.
Henry is preceded in death by his parents and brother Edwin Chris Rusch.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 24 from 3 to 9 pm at Schielka Addison St Funeral Home, 7710 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60634. Services will be Friday, May 25, 11 am at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 6850 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60634. Lying in State will be a 10 am. Burial will take place in the afternoon at Homewood Cemetery, Thornton, IL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Schielka Addison Street Funeral Home.
I remember Hienie & Ed coming to Paul, Id. We had great visits.
SANDY SPERRY
May 25, 2017
Many memories of long ago visits to our farm in Idaho, our cousins from Chicago! Sad missed catching up in later years, just missed to many times, all us cousins getting on in years, but thank God for those times.
Dallas Carotta
May 25, 2017
To all the Rusch family, it was such a pleasure seeing and spending time with Henry & Mary this pass year. I'm so sorry but do to my health I will be unable to attend Henry's celebration of life. My condolences to the family. Love, David
David Blanke
May 25, 2017
We are so saddened to learn of Henry's passing. Last year at the Rusch family reunion in Idaho, he shared pictures with us that we have never seen before. We also visited him and Mary when we visited Durango on our Southwest trip several years ago. Our prayers are with the family.
Gale & Judy McGregor
May 25, 2017
May God give your family all the strength during this difficult time.
Phil & Sue Draper
Family
May 24, 2017
April- I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Barbara Still
Friend
May 23, 2017
Hank was my father-in-law.
Jeremy Hodges
Family Friend
May 23, 2017
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Juanita Tullis
Friend
May 22, 2017
May our Heavenly Father bring comfort and peace to the Rusch Family during this time of loss.
Deanna Caballero
Wright College
Deanna Caballero
May 22, 2017
April, my condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tommy Karr
Friend
May 22, 2017
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