May 22, 2019 – Hartford, WI – Emily M. Rusch (nee Theis), 84, of Hartford, Wisconsin passed away Monday, May 20, 2019 at the Aurora Medical center in Hartford.
Emily was born November 9, 1934 in Hartford, WI to John and Emma (nee Topisovsky) Theis. She was united in marriage to Alan Rusch Sr. on January 2, 1954. Alan passed away April 29, 1988. Emily then married Lyle Butzke who also proceeded her in death.
Emily worked at Northwestern Mutual Insurance before her marriage. Emily and Alan owned and operated Rusch Construction. After raising her children, she enjoyed working at Hartford Union High School. She was the most loyal and devoted mother. Mom was famous for her amazing desserts, always taking orders for everyone’s vacation favorites. She is also known for making muffin tops for everyone, including Dave’s football teams. There was always a pot of coffee on for any visitors, and if you left her house hungry, “it was your own fault!”. Throughout her life, Emily enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, sewing, crocheting and embroidering. Many were blessed to have learned these skills from mom.
Emily is survived by her loving children; Sandy (Doran) Timmer, Ally (Mary) Rusch, Dan (Debbie) Rusch, Dave (Michelle) Rusch and Diane (Dan) Smith. Grandchildren Doug (Sarah) Timmer, Dan (Charlotte) Timmer, Amanda (Randy) Villarreal, Meghan (Evan) Sutton, Adam Rusch, Aaron (Fiancé Kelly) Rusch, Mandy (Bret) Woodland, Melanie (Christopher) Friday, Michelle (Chadwick) Beeler, Tanya (Shaun) Walters, Tracy (Dustin) Literski, Troy Rusch, Tammy (Special friend Jesse) Rusch, Travis Rusch, Tasha Rusch, Natalie (Mike) Moeschberger, Stephanie (Joey) Kau, Alexis Rusch , Nathaniel, Aaron and Benny Smith. Great grandchildren Jacob, Bailey, Zach, Ethan, Anthony, Jackson,Grayson, Brooks, Lexi, Wally, Luci, Josie, Carter, Isabella, Mason, Hailey, Cayden, Ava, Devin, Makenzie, Claire, John and baby Kau. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, siblings and granddaughter Annie Rusch.
Mass of Christian Burial for Emily will be celebrated Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Kilian Catholic Church (264 W. State Street Hartford, WI 53027) with Rev. David LaPlante officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Interment in St. Kilian Catholic Cemetery-Hartford, Friday, May 24, 2019 at 10 a.m.
