RUSCH, John Julius

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Monday, August 3, 2009 John Julius Rusch, 82, son of Julius Charles Rusch (deceased) and Margaret Mary (Steffl) Rusch (deceased), died July 24, 2009, in Lake Havasu City. He leaves behind Shirley, his loving wife of 49 years; daughter, Lori; two sons, John and Philip; five grandchildren, two living sisters, Margaret Johnson and Jean Bohnhoff; as well as many nieces and nephews and friends both young and old. Born in Jamestown, N.D., whereupon later in life he lived in Minnesota and then Arizona, he left school at the age of 16 to help his father in the shipyards on the West Coast. He was in the Korean War, and later honorably discharged with a Purple Heart. He survived not only the depression, but also three bouts of cancer. Being a grease monkey at heart, he retired as a successful district manager from the Oster Corp. He was loved and respected by his customers and in his lifetime, drove well more than a million miles, serving a seven-state territory accident free. Being an avid reader with razor sharp intellect, as well as many life experiences, that made him a very interesting man. If he didn’t know the answer, he would tell you, but he knew what he knew — and that was a library. He was well known by everyone he came into contact with for always saying: “I have a joke for you.” He loved 
reading, hunting and boating. He also had a kind heart for animals and had many dogs and other pets throughout his life. He left no bills — rather love, security, admiration and respect. Words to describe him include: honest, gentlemanly, meticulous and responsible. An era has passed — the mold has been broken. We love you and will always keep you in our hearts. Memoriam is preferred to: Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405; and the Western Arizona Humane Society, 1100 Empire Drive, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404. A funeral service was held July 30, whereupon his ashes were scattered. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.