Curtis J. Rustad, 88

Curtis J. Rustad, age 88, of Ellsworth, died on Saturday, Nov. 3, at The Seminary Home in Red Wing, Minn.

He was born on Feb. 25, 1924, to Christ and Jorgina (Johnson) Rustad in Dennison, Minn. He grew up on a farm and attended school in rural Dennison. He would ride his pony to school, and then the pony would return home. He attended Kenyon and Cannon Falls High School. He honorably served our country as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. He married Violet Copeland in Faribault, Minn. They farmed in Goodhue County prior to settling in Wisconsin where they raised their family. Violet preceded him in death in 1982. He married Darlene Nelson in 1988, and they built their home in rural Ellsworth and resided there for the next 24 years.

Curt was well-read and was a prolific writer of letters to the editor. His unusual humor was quite often highlighted in his letter writing capacity. Curt always had a joke to tell. He loved to witness to others and read his Bible every day. He enjoyed doing many things with his hands. He worked at Andersen Windows and Swift for many years.

Curt had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church for many years, serving as an elder and as a member of the Bible school kitchen committee. He served as president of the Ellsworth Senior Citizen Center and, with Darlene, hosted the annual senior citizens’ picnic for 17 years in their backyard. He was also involved in delivering Meals on Wheels and providing transportation for people who needed to get to appointments, as well as visiting people who were shut-ins.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; sister, Eloise Carey of Virginia; three children, Nancy (Ray) Oberlander of Mankato, Minn., Michael (Karen) Rustad of Spring Valley, Wis., and Kim Rustad of River Falls, Wis.; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters, and one grandson.

A funeral service for Curtis will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hill Funeral Home, Ellsworth, and for 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault.

Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ellsworth, is assisting the family.

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