Edward F. Rusin

Edward F. Rusin, age 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. He was born May 12, 1948 in Grand Rapids, MN to the late John and Vivian Rusin. Edward is preceded in death by his mother, Vivian, his father, John, and his brothers, John Alan, and Rick. He is survived by his children, Jolynn Rusin, Kari (Oscar) Witucki-Barrientos, Zachary (Leatrice) Rusin, and Amanda (Cody) Matsen; 13 grandchildren, his sisters Anita (Chuck) Harris, Chris Rusin, and Rita (Al) Voss, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him too. Ed was in the first graduating class of La Crescent HS and then enlisted into the U. S. Army. As a veteran of The Vietnam War, he served with HHD 121st Sig Battalion 1st INF DIV. The U.S. Army recognized Edward for his honorable service with The National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device and two Overseas Bars. After serving in the military he became an owner of a HVAC business in La Crosse, WI. He later sold that business and went to work for WA Roosevelts, retiring from them in Rice Lake, WI as a R/HVAC Representative. After retirement Ed was able to live out his lifetime dream, living on a lake, which he opened up to everyone and shared his joy of fishing. He took a lot of pride in the flowers he grew outside every year and his yard was always pristine. Most of all Ed will be remembered for the 3 simple words he lived by; God, Family, and Country. He'd light up a room when surrounded by his grandkids, who also called him Sucker Grandpa. He reminded everyone “God has blessed me.”. Ed will forever be remembered for always putting others before himself. He had a great sense of humor, with lots of wit and sarcasm, loved to tell stories, and had a great music playlist. He was a dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan and never missed watching a game, even until his last day on Earth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 18th at Crucifixion Catholic Church in La Crescent, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church. Contributions in memory of Edward may be made to Crucifixion Catholic Church, La Crescent, MN, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Rice Lake, WI, and/or St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in Sarona, WI.