Russell E Bruesch

It is with a heavy heart that we share this news. Russell (Rusty) Erwin Bruesch died of a sudden heart attack Sunday July 10, 2022 in New Buffalo, Michigan at the age of 75. Although he was born and raised in Blue Island, Illinois, most of his weekends, school breaks and summers were spent at Koontz Lake, Indiana where he became an avid boat and water skiing enthusiast. So, it was no surprise that shortly after graduating from High School he moved there permanently. He was one of the founding members of the Koontz Lake Ski Club whose water and boat antics were well known (and appreciated) by most locals. As time went by he also became involved in other sports such as hang gliding, parasailing, kite surfing and snow boarding. If it had to do with wind or water you could count him in. Every new vehicle he would buy he affixed the same bumper sticker “If it can’t kill ya, it ain’t a sport”. To support these hobbies, he rose to the ranks of Vice President of Engineering at Janco Products in Mishawaka, Indiana. In 1982 he married Beverly Langedyk and moved to New Buffalo, Michigan where he currently resided. He and Bev were married for 36 beautiful years prior to her death in 2018. Rusty was well known and respected in the Village of Michiana where he lived and was very active in the local area as Beach Commissioner as well as Police Commissioner. After he retired, he spent a great deal of time and energy helping out wherever he could and being active in the community. He was preceded in death by his parents Merle (Steinhart) and Russell M. Bruesch, his son Jared and his wife Beverly. He is survived by a sister, Karen (Michael) Plantenga, a niece, Kristen (Justin) Basham, a nephew, Jayme Personette and Kristen’s children, Joshua, Jordan and Jared and his beloved Labrador, Jodie who now resides at Koontz Lake. Viewing will be at Rannell’s Funeral Home located at 7984 N. State Road 23, Walkerton/Koontz Lake 46574 on Monday, July 18th from 5 to 8 pm EDT. Tuesday July 19th we will gather at Rannell’s at 10:00 am EDT followed by a brief service at 11:00, after which we will follow him to Woodlawn Cemetery in the town of Walkerton where he will be reunited with our beloved Beverly and Jared. Please join us afterwards for a luncheon in celebration of Rusty’s life at the Koontz Lake Missionary Church located just across the road from Rannell’s. This will be the perfect time to share stories about our wonderful brother, uncle and friend. Donations can be made in Rusty’s name to Michiana Humane Society & SPCA at 722 IN-212, Michigan City IN 46360 or Koontz Lake Missionary Church, 8044 North State Road 23, Walkerton IN 46574

Russell E Bruesch

March 16, 1947 - July 10, 2022