Gerhardt “Yogi” Rusch, 76, Oconto Falls, was born to eternal life on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. He was born July 7, 1938, in Oconto Falls to Gustav and Olga (Milchner) Rusch.
Yogi grew up in rural Oconto Falls, where he attended public schools. Due to his father’s poor health, he had to quit high school to run the family farm.
In November 1968 he married Ida Jane Dempsey-Kind at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls. Not long after, the couple bought a bar on the west side of Oconto Falls, Neil & Vi’s, which they owned and operated from 1969 until 1978 as Yogi’s. As a bar owner and avid pool player, Yogi sponsored pool and softball teams for years. He once hosted the King & His Court professional softball team to compete against his sponsored team.
Yogi later drove truck for Gillett Implement. He also worked as a self-employed carpenter for many years, building homes and cabinets. Most recently, he enjoyed doing carpentry projects with his brother, “Elkie,” and going to truck and tractor pulls. Yogi will be fondly remembered for his love of being around people, telling and sharing stories, and just having a good time.
Survivors are his “three of a Kind children,” Daniel Kind, Oconto Falls, Wanda Kind, Appleton, and Sharie Kind, Green Bay; three granddaughters, Stephany Krueger, Sandra and Julianne Marquardt; two brothers, Herman (Dorothy) Rusch, Pulaski, and Ewald “Elkie” (Julianne) Rusch, Oconto Falls; a special great-niece, Alayna Seewald; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Dee Scully, Oconto Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ida Jane; one sister, Martha; and special uncle, Albert.
Visitation was held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. Prayer services were held at 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with the Rev. Matthew Arnold officiating. Burial took place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls, Monday.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund will be established.
As Yogi would say, “Don’t grieve, but have a beer to remember me.”
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