David Patrick Rusch

David Patrick Rusch, age 61, of Newberry, MI (formerly of Escanaba), passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at his home in Newberry. He was born on July 2, 1958 in Escanaba, the son of George and Virginia (Hoyler) Rusch. David grew up in Escanaba and attended Escanaba High School where he played football for 3 years and wrestled for 3 years. David was awarded the Heavyweight Champion in the Great Northern U.P. Conference his senior year of high school. David graduated from Escanaba High School with the Class of 1976. He went on to further his education at Michigan Tech University in Houghton where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. David was employed by several private engineering firms for a few years before accepting a position with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) as a civil engineer. He first served in the Escanaba office before transferring to Newberry, MI, where he has resided for the past 20 years. David was strong in his faith as an active member of St. Gregory Catholic Church in Newberry where he served on the parish council as the financial secretary and was very instrumental in helping with the renovations at St. Gregory, was involved with the Newberry Knights of Columbus Council #2929 where he also served as the treasurer, the Kiwanis Club of Newberry, and volunteered each year on the 4th of July to help coordinate the 4th of July parade. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. David was a very kind, soft-spoken, and humble person. Many of David’s friends viewed him as a “Gentle Giant” who will be deeply missed.

David P. Rusch is survived by his father, George (Susan) Rusch of Escanaba; his mother, Virginia Shomin of Escanaba; 3 brothers, George (Ascha) Rusch of Seattle, WA, Richard (Cheryl) Rusch of Escanaba, and Robert (Melinda) Rusch of Jacksonville, NC; and 7 nieces and nephews, Heather, Kris, Robert, William, Bryan, Nathan, and Benjamin.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba, MI, with Father Timothy Ferguson officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba. 

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