[ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

Jack Andrew Rusthoven

ALBIN, BRIGGS, EHLTS, FULLER, HIRSCH, PIKE, RUSTHOVEN, SCHARES, VANDER LAAN, WEISS, WHITNEY

Posted By: Cindy Marshall (email)
Date: 12/2/2021 at 18:49:09

Jack Andrew Rusthoven was carried home on Friday, July 23rd, 2021, at his home in Aurora, IA, following an ALS diagnosis in January of this year.

Jack was born in Englewood, Illinois on October 12th, 1955. The third of four children born to Jack and Pearl (Vander Laan) Rusthoven. He graduated from Carl Sandberg High School in 1973, where he participated in cross country, track, photography, the school paper, and chess club. Jack attended Central College in Pella, Iowa and graduated in 1977 with a degree in biology.

In 1987, he married Mary Briggs and was blessed with three beautiful daughters Megan, Emily and Cate. This marriage ended in 1997. Following a newspaper ad and a whirlwind courtship, he married his soul mate, Vicky Fuller Hirsch, on August 8th, 1998, in a sunrise ceremony at Fontana Park in Hazelton, Iowa, where they were whisked away in a hot air balloon following their vows. With this union, Jack was blessed with three bonus children: Matt, Corinne, and Luke. Their beautiful love story full of unwavering support and devotion has continued for almost 23 years, with Vicky surprising Jack in her wedding gown every year on their anniversary.

Jack was a simple man, a quietly spoken, patient, and kind individual. He had an uncanny ability to solve problems, which served him well in his profession of Service Manager and Senior Master Technician in various Ford auto service garages throughout Iowa. Jack retired in 2018, however, he was quick to not let his retirement slow him down. He acquired a Ford semi truck, which he affectionately referred to as Pearl, after his beloved mother, due to the pristine white paint. He was soon on the road, often joined by Vicky, for transport jobs across the country.

Jack was passionate about horses and was most comfortable in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. He enjoyed many adventures trail riding with friends and his grandchildren. Jack could also be found regularly with grease on his hands, as he loved wrenching in the shop. He enjoyed tinkering with projects and loved acquiring new toys - a favorite was a 1967 Mustang. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, cruising in his pontoon, and hobby farming.

Jack loved his God and family with ferocity, had a wonderful sense of humor, fun, and adventure. He was always willing to lend a hand to others and was quick to jump in to tell a story, provide a life lesson, or teach a new handy trick. Simply put, Jack was a good man and will be deeply missed by those who loved him. The love, knowledge, and life lessons that he shared with those around him will continue to be cherished every day.

Jack is survived by his wife, Vicky of Aurora; six children, Megan (Amanda) Pike of Creston, IA, Emily Rusthoven of Washington, IA, Cate (Mark) Weiss of Grundy Center, IA, Matt Hirsch of Sumner, IA, Corinne (Jake) Schares of Oelwein, IA, and Luke (Ashley) Hirsch of Dunkerton, IA; eleven grandchildren, Allison Ehlts, Andrew Albin, Jessica, Cloe, and Colton Hirsch, Alec and Tylen Hirsch, Delaney, Ella and Nora Schares, and Maren Hirsch; one sister Beverly (Wayne) Whitney, and two brothers Robert(Tracey). and Tom Rusthoven. Mother-in-law Ilse Fuller, Brothers-in-law Jerry (Linda) and Ricky Fuller, and sister-in-law Diana Fuller. Many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart, and a multitude of cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday July 31, 2021, at St. Peter’s Lutheran in Oran, IA with Rev. Larry Trachte presiding. Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Oran, IA. A Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 8 PM on Friday July 30, 2021 at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Winthrop, IA.


 

Buchanan Obituaries maintained by Cindy Marshall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen

[ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]