Dennis A. Rusch, age 88 of Shawano, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, November 2, 2020 in Shawano.

Dennis was born April 19, 1932 in Shawano, a son of the late Carl and Lila (Olson) Rusch. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Shawano High School where he graduated with the class of 1951. Following high school, Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served his country from November 23, 1951 until November 23, 1959 when he was honorably discharged.

On November 12, 1960, Dennis was united in marriage to the former Rita Doran at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. He was employed at Packerland Packing as a butcher for 32 years until he retired in 1994. Dennis is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He loved to hunt, fish, and pick blackberries. Dennis was a nature lover, and enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and squirrels. He was also an avid Packer and Brewers fan.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Rita, of Shawano; his son, Jeffrey (Heather) Rusch, of Powhatan, Virginia; his daughter, Jodi (Tim) Beno, of Ledgeview; his grandchildren, Kayla (David) Diamond, Kyle Rusch, Nick Beno, and Wyatt Rusch; and his great-grandchildren, Tyrell, Aaliyah, Adalynn, Kaylinn, and Kyliee. Dennis is further survived by his sister, Sheila (Roger) DeBaker of Rothschild; his brothers, Charles Rusch of Land O’Lakes, Jack Rusch of Shawano, and William (Sherry) Rusch of Little Chute; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Jay Rusch on April 22, 2016; his daughter, Jeanne Rusch on July 4, 2001; his sisters, Gail Rusch and Patricia Schultz; and brothers, Robert, Neil, James, and Sheldon Rusch.

Funeral services for Dennis will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Deacon James Lonick will officiate. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Shawano AmVets Post #10. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 12:00 PM and continue until the hour of service.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the family requests masks be worn while in attendance and social distancing be followed.