God called our beloved mother and grandmother, Marjorie M. Rusch, home on December 24, 2017, peacefully entering the arms of her Lord and Savior at 7:02 AM.
Marjorie was born on July 5, 1922 in Shawano to the late John and Ada (Habeck) Heling. She attended school in Shawano, graduating from Shawano High School in 1940. On October 23, 1947, Marge married the love of her life, Harold Rusch. Harold preceded her in death far too early on February 19, 1990. Both Harold and Marge raised their children to know Jesus, leaving a legacy of love.
Marge worked many jobs and was an active volunteer throughout her life. Those jobs that she loved and enjoyed included working as a clerk at Shawano County Courthouse and secretary of St. James Lutheran Church and School. She was an Avon lady for more than 40 years. Marge was a vibrant and active community member, working the polls on election days, judging work at the fair, and serving as an officer of the American Legion Auxiliary. She volunteered whenever called upon to help. Marge was a faithful member of St. James Lutheran Church, where she served on the Altar Guild and the Tabitha Society where she prepared and served food for funerals.
She was a skilled seamstress and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She was the original scrap booker and kept records of everything! Marge always kept busy and enjoyed being on the go all the time. She loved to talk! In 2014 Marge moved to Bornemann Senior Care in Green Bay, and participated in all the activities there. Staff and fellow residents loved Margie’s pleasant demeanor, playful attitude and beautiful smile. She was so grateful for the care provided and always said thank you for all that was done for her. Marge was a gift to her family and all who knew her.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, James (Sandy) Rusch, John (Sue) Rusch, Dan (Audrey) Rusch, Marianne (John) Oates, and Richard (Karen) Rusch; her grandchildren, Tammy (James) Pilkington, Jonathan (Alisha Hughes) Rusch, Samantha (Hector) Perez, Megan (Joey) O’Brien, Michael Oates, and Kiley Rusch; and her great-grandchildren, Preston Rusch, Isabella Perez, Gavin Pilkington, Brody O’Brien, Maddyson Hughes, Brecklyn Pilkington, Madison Forner, Lucas Rusch, Nieve Perez, McKenna Rusch, Elijah O’Brien, Arsyn Rusch, and Finnley O’Brien. Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her brother and special sister-in-law, Willis and Joann Heling, her sister-in-law, Eva (Ken) Gevers, and her brother-in-law, Marvin (Barbara) Rusch.
Funeral services for Marjorie will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. The Rev. Dr. Timm Griffin will officiate. Private interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers and plants, a memorial fund has been established in Marge’s name for St. James Lutheran School.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
The family thanks Judy Zeitler, Marge’s faithful Stephen Minister and friend for twelve years, the staff at Bornemann, and all who loved this special and amazing woman. Well done, good and faithful servant!
