TOMAH - Richard Steve Rusnak, LTC (US Army Retired), age 84 of Tomah WI, died at the VA Hospital in Tomah on December 19, 2021.
Rich was born January 18, 1937, at the rural home of his parents, Steve and Catherine Rusnak, in the town of Elk, west of Phillips WI. He was a 1955 graduate of Phillips High School where he served as Senior Class President. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating in June 1960 with a BS in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, earning recognition as a Distinguished Military Graduate.
In June 1961, LT Rusnak started the Engineer Officer Basic Course (EOBC) at Fort Belvoir, VA. After EOBC, he reported to Fort Bragg NC. He completed his active military duty as the Commanding Officer of D Company, 92nd Engineer Battalion.
In the fall of 1963, Rich went to the University of Iowa, working as a full-time instructor, while also a part-time graduate student. Following completion of his MS Degree in Structural Engineering in June 1965, Rich returned to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he taught in the General Engineering department.
In April 1975, Captain Rusnak returned to active duty to attend the Engineer Officers Advance Course (EOAC) at Fort Belvoir, VA. He graduated as an honor graduate in December 1975. From 1976 to 1978, he was stationed at Fort McCoy, WI.
In 1978, Rich returned to drilling status in the reserves and accepted a civil engineering position at Fort McCoy. Next, he went to Fort Sheridan, IL and finally to Fort McPherson, GA as a Supervisory General Engineer for the US Army Reserve. His civilian service awards include the Army Meritorious Honor award, the Army Commanders Award for Civilian Service, and the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.
He retired from the US Army Reserve in 2003 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), and Army Achievement Medal. Other notable awards include the General John J. Pershing Award, presented to LTC Rusnak as the honor graduate of the Command and General Staff College, and the De Fleury Medal for significant service to the Engineer Regiment.
In August 1959, he met Carol Shaw in Madison. They were united in marriage on January 30, 1960, in Madison, WI. Their union was blessed with two sons, RJ and Kent.
One of Rich’s greatest enjoyments was to encourage his children and grandchildren in their sporting and academic exploits. He coached his sons’ baseball teams. He served as Cub Scout Pack Chairman with a membership exceeding 200 boys. He and Carol were often on the road or at home for high school cross country and track meets, and hockey games.
Rich loved playing cards and board games with friends and family. He also enjoyed maintaining and relaxing at his “land” near Phillips, WI, just west of where he was born.
Through the witness of an officer who had just completed his EOAC course in April 1975, Rich trusted Jesus Christ for salvation (Romans 10: 9-10). In 1993, Rich and Carol publicly professed their faith when they were baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Morrow, GA. They attended various churches wherever they lived and for the past 15 years they have faithfully attended Bible Evangelical Free Church in Tomah. Over the last few years, he particularly appreciated the fellowship of the senior group “Older Wiser Loving Senior Saints” (O.W.L.S.) at Bible Evangelical Free Church.
Rich is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol Lee (Shaw) Rusnak; two sons: Richard J. Rusnak (Kym), of Cedar Park, TX; and Kent W. Rusnak (Jo and Maddie Honaker), of Norwalk, WI. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Benjamin (Lexi); Stephanie (Robert); Daniel; Richard S. II (Erica); Jonathan; Ryder; and Rylee; four great grandchildren: Cecilia, Peter, Charlotte and Rebecca; brothers-in-law William (Sarah) Lawrence; Bernard (Kathy) Lawrence; Romain (Roxanne) Lawrence; and nephew Douglas (Lori) Richter.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Catherine (Repta) Rusnak; father-in-law Bernard Shaw; mother-in-law Vivian (Romain) Lawrence; sister Shirley (Bob) Richter; brother-in-law Lamarr Lawrence; nephew Robert Richter; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Funeral Services with full military honors will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Bible Evangelical Free Church in Tomah. Pastor Tim Erickson will officiate. Burial will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at church on Thursday. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
