Anne M Rusch

Anne M. Rusch, 95, of La Crosse, WI. passed away peacefully at dawn on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility. She was born on September 5, 1916 in Marshfield, WI. She was the middle child of Josef and Therese (Mair) Binder. After her mother passed away at the age of 36, Anne, her sister and three brothers were brought to La Crosse to be raised by the Franciscan Sisters at St. Michaels Orphanage. As the sisters were also German speaking immigrants, their father knew the children would retain their German heritage and be raised in the Catholic faith. This was Annes home until she was 16 years old at which time she returned to Marshfield to live with her father and siblings. While in La Crosse, she attended Aquinas High School, class of 1935. She completed her education at Marshfield High School. She married John Rusch in La Crosse on November 25, 1936. They made La Crosse their home and at the time of his death in 1997 they had been married for 61 years.

Anne had a lifelong love of animals having had many canine friends. Later in life wild birds became her passion. She turned her French Island home into a bird friendly habitat, caring for each species with special feeders. She fast became an expert on wild birds. Other bird lovers would often seek her out to observe and photograph her birds. Other species seen in the area would visit her feeders. She was a long time member of the Coulee Region Audubon Society often participating in their annual bird counts. Even after her retirement, she continued to feed her birds. Her granddaughter Kim and her husband Dave made sure grandmas feeders were kept full so she could enjoy her birds.

Anne is survived by her daughter, Mary (Richard) Wateski of La Crosse; her sons, Robert J.(Eileen) of La Crosse and John J.(Janet) of Tomah, WI. She is further survived by 14 grandchildren; Susan(Bob Morris) Rhodes, Richard B.(Julie) Wateski ,Timothy (Kathy) Wateski, Laurie(Mike) Copper, Karen(Mike)Fortin, Daniel(Jennie) Wateski, Kim(Dave)Fish, Mike Rusch, Jeffrey(Pam)Rusch, Paul(Dawn)Rusch , Nicole Rusch, Jennifer(Edward)Snow, Douglas(Toni)Rusch and Steven(Jessica)Rusch, 31 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Her brother John (Ruth) Binder, sister-in-law; Faustine Binder, many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, her sister; Mary (Bill) Cliver, her brothers; Frank and Joseph (Alma) and one infant great-granddaughter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 3 at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1210 Caledonia Street, La Crosse at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the mass in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Rev. Robert A. Schaller will officiate. Family and friends may call at the church from 9:00a.m. until time of service.

Annes family is grateful for all the love and compassion shown to her and her family, especially in the final days of her life by the staff at Bethany Riverside. She leaves them with memories of her unique spirit and wit.

And he will raise you up on eagles wings-make you shine like the dawn and hold you in the palm of his hands.

We will miss you Mom.