Richard "Butch" Rusch

Richard “Butch” Rusch, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Rennes Health & Rehab Center in Appleton after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 14, 1943 in Appleton, Wisconsin, the son of the late Erving and Hildegard (Kroiss) Rusch. On August 29, 1964 Butch married the love of his life, Donna, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Appleton.

Butch was a dedicated father and husband first and foremost. He treasured his children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. Butch enjoyed wood working, country music, and fishing. Later in life, Richard and Donna had the opportunity to travel, take cruises, go to casinos, and enjoy life. He and Donna were active members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where they enjoyed being greeters. After Donna’s passing in 2020, Butch cherished his time spent with his “Tom’s Drive on Calumet and Whitcomb Automotive Families”.  Richard’s greatest love was his family and his children and grandchildren were proud to call him dad/grandpa.

He is survived by his son, Scott (Betsy) Rusch of Menasha; his three grandchildren: Donovan (Danielle), Sabrina (fiancé Richie), and Ryan; sister-in-law, Jean (Leonard) Wendler of Neenah; and many other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his son, Robert.

A Memorial Service for Butch will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Appleton Highland Memorial Park, 3131 N. Richmond St., Appleton. Butch’s family will welcome friends at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Butch’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Rennes Health & Rehab Center for the great care and compassion they provided.

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