Carol Beth Rusch

RUSCH, CAROL BETH

Carol Beth Rusch, age 74, of Appleton, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Hospital with her family at her side. She was born on September 17, 1936 in the Town of Osborne, the daughter of the late Harvey and Ella (Wichman) Thomas. On June 18, 1955 she married Gene Rusch at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour. Carol babysat in her home for twenty five years, throughout that time 135 children were a part of her life. The kids learned many things from Carol and she was known as Ma Ruschie to the neighborhood children. A lot of those kids still kept in contact with her today and considered her family. Carol continued to work with children for eight years at Headstart before retiring.

She enjoyed camping, reading, watching the Brewers with Gene, Sunday dinners at Mary's Restaurant, collecting antiques and rummage sales. Carol loved spending time with family and friends, especially being with her grandkids and great grandkids.

Carol is survived by her husband, Gene Rusch; sons, Craig (Brenda) Rusch and Keith (Karen) Rusch; grandchildren, Kari, Emilie and Aaron (special friend Kandace) Rusch and Mae (Dan) Lederhaus; great grandchildren, Alaysia and Kaleb Rusch; Savanah, Dylan and Cadence Lederhaus. She is further survived by her brother, Randy Thomas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The funeral service for Carol Beth will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 N. Mason St., Appleton. Rev. Judy Deckert will be officiating. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society are appreciated.

The family would like to thank all the nurses on 4-West at St. Elizabeth Hospital for your care and compassion. Special thanks to Dennis and Susan Pringnitz for allowing Rev. Judy to minister our family and offer spiritual and emotional comfort to Carol.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231