Gerald "Jerry" A. Rusch

Gerald Allen Rusch, 87, of Eau Claire, died at home on June 1st 2025 surrounded by his family. Born on July 8 1937 in Milwaukee, WI, Jerry was the son of Herman Rusch and Martha Gebauer Rusch. He graduated from Shorewood High School in 1956 and went on to earn a business degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1960. After graduation he joined the Army Reserves as an officer and began his career at the American Heart Association. 

In 1961, his fraternity brother Dean introduced Jerry to his cousin, a beautiful young nurse, Joan Ruehlman. Joan and Jerry wed in Sharon, WI on December 29, 1961. In 1962 their daughter Susan was born and daughter Heidi arrived 18 months later in 1964. Jerry worked at Wisconsin Bell and the family lived in Whitefish Bay until 1974 when they moved to Eau Claire so Jerry could become a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. His career was defined by excellence, honesty, and thoughtfulness. His success in the industry made him a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. His dedication to serving his clients continued until retirement in 2010. It was during these years Jerry put his faith in Jesus Christ and this faith became the foundation of everything he did. He prayed for his children and grandchildren every day of his life. 

Wisconsin winters became a thing of the past when Joan and Jerry found a second home in Fort Myers, FL. They loved their community and treasured the decades as snowbirds until relocating once again to Eau Claire in 2024. Jerry took great pride in his German heritage, playing Sheepshead until the week before he died. A wonderful grandfather to six grandchildren, it seemed Jerry never forgot how it felt to be a child. This made him the perfect companion for trips to train museums, parades, and candy stores. Jerry's time in the Shorewood High band cemented his love for all sorts of music, especially marches by John Phillips Sousa and the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Jerry read the Wall St. Journal daily and had extensive knowledge regarding the world of finance and economics-just ask his grandchildren about fiat currency or the gold standard. The last year of life was spent with Joan, his treasured wife of 63 years. They were best friends and never tired of being together. 

Several months ago, Jerry was asked how he would like to be remembered. He responded, "That I was thankful. So thankful."

Jerry is survived by his wife Joan Rusch; his daughters Susan (Philip) Jacoby and Heidi (Paul) Wildes; grandchildren Ian Jacoby, William Jacoby, Grace (Michael) Kapla, Catherine (Zach) Morgan, Lydia (Christian) Schnurpel, and Micah Wildes; great-grandchildren Leo Kapla and Geneva Schnurpel, brothers Everett Rusch and Thomas (Mary Ann) Rusch; brothers-in-law David Ruehlman and John (Kathy) Ruehlman. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Martha Rusch, beloved aunts Pauline Gebauer and Mary Gebauer, and his brother Robert P. Rusch. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorials could be given to Christian Aid (Charlottesville, VA) or Moody Church Media (Chicago, IL). 

A memorial service for Jerry will take place at 11 am on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 W. Hamilton Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701.  There will be no visitation prior to the service. Visitation and reminiscing will take place at church during a luncheon immediately following the service. .

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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