Dale L. Ruosch

Dale L. Ruosch, 75, died Tuesday Nov.3, 2015 at his home of acute leukemia that had been diagnosed in
July. He was born December 26, 1939 in Woodville, WI to Maureen (Young) and Louis "Bud" Ruosch. He graduated from Woodville High School, Luther College (Decorah, IA) and Wartburg Seminary (Dubuque, lA). He married Carol Storla on August 22, 1964. They later divorced. He married Kitty Paulson on May 27, 1989.

Dale is survived by his wife Kitty, his son Brad(Casie) Ruosch of La Crosse, daughter Monika Bakalars of Ames, IA, daughter Debra (Frank) Meyer of Holmen and son Mark Paulson of Holmen; brother Duane (Lourdes) Ruosch, sisters, Marlene Thomas (Rich Sadergaski),Nola (LaVern) Johnson, Naomi (Larry) Nelson, Nadine (Robert) Schneider. Ten grandchildren, Bradley Ruosch Jr., Caitlin Dunn, Dameon Hendricks, Brendan Bakalars, Amanda Shields (Chad Kremer), Carol (Mark) Delegan, Julianna and Allrik Meyer, Ruthann and Lilah Paulson, five great grandchildren, Daelin Hendricks, Martin and Madelyn Bakalars, Colette Harris and Oliver Delegan. Dale was preceded in death by his parents.

Dale was called to serve the following parishes: Peace (American) Lutheran in Fargo ND (66-72) and First Lutheran in Sauk Centre, MN (72). In Fargo he completed the course work for a MA in Education at North Dakota State University. He moved from Sauk Centre to Spring Lake Park, MN and began Clinical Pastoral Education at University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis General and a residency at North Memorial. He appeared before a Certification Board in 1975 and was approved for Specialized Ministry.

After serving 2 brief interims in Circle Pines and St Paul, Dale accepted a Call to Bethany Lutheran Homes in La Crosse, WI as Director of Mission and Pastoral Care. During the next 23 years he was involved with designing a new nursing home, program development for 3 Alzheimer Residential facilities, developing a Chaplaincy Residency in Geriatric Ministry in conjunction with Gundersen Medical Center, dedicating a new Faith and Life Center as well as Pastoral Ministry and Spiritual Life at 3 separate locations.

In Dale's spare time he purchased and refurbished seven rental units and restored a condemned home in La Crosse. He also did a lot of Sunday morning "Supply Preaching" as his Nursing Home worship responsibilities were in afternoons and evenings. After retiring in 1999, Dale was involved with
establishing Bridge of Life Mission Church in Holmen. He served on numerous parish, synod and
community committees. He and Kitty designed 2 retirement homes and spent time at their beloved
cottage in Amery, WI.

Dale's children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He appreciated and celebrated each person's life and gifts. He enjoyed his collections of old tractors, farm toys, and toy trains. Dale had a gift for music. His strong singing voice will be missed by many. And last but not least- Dale could develop a pretty much instant rapport with everyone he met. May he forever rest in peace.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Journey Lutheran Church, 2703 Sand Lake Road, Holmen, WI. Pastor David Bersagel will officiate. Burial will be in the Green Mound Cemetery, Holmen. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM and again on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of Onalaska are in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.
Special thank you's go out to all the staff at Gundersen Medical Center and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the charity of your choice.