Patricia A. Rusch, 75, of W1825 CTH K, Brillion, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, September 13, 2010 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born on February 16, 1935 in Gladewater, TX, daughter of the late Birdia (Baker) Sumerel and Ollie Kennon. Her family moved to Virginia in 1941. Pat graduated from Craddock High School, class of 1952 as the Salutatorian. She met Lewis Rusch in Virginia and married him on November 20, 1954 at Fourth Street Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA. Pat was the past secretary for the Fox Valley Chapter of MADD, was an active member of Zion United Methodist Church where she led a bible study group and was financial secretary for many years, and was also instrumental in starting Operation Christmas Child. She also loved music, singing, and crafts, was a self taught piano player, and enjoyed spending time with her family. Her favorite quote was: "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet." Pat was a very kind, giving Christian woman who strived to make this world a better place. Her compassion for others will carry forth for a long time to come. Pat is survived by her husband Lewis; three children Brian (special friend Judy), Barry, and Brenda (Douglas) Schmitt; a sister and two brothers-in-law Joyce(George) Seburn and Harland Rusch; five grandchildren Randy (Alissa) Lapp, Stacy (Nabil) Aramouni, Justin and Adam Schmitt, and Amber Rusch; four great-grandchildren Jonah, Caleb, and Isaac Lapp and Nina Aramouni. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pat was preceded in death by a brother James Kennon; and step-father Martin Sumerel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Zion United Methodist Church, Forest Junction. Officiating at the funeral service will be Rev. Becky Kindschi with burial to follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Outer Limits Youth Outreach Center are appreciated. The family wishes to thank Calumet County Hospice for all the care and compassion that was shown at this difficult time. You are all angels. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of one of His saints. Psalm 116:15. The Wieting Funeral Home of Brillion is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com.
