June 22, 1951 – December 8, 2023

Stephen James “Rusty” Rust was born to Obert and Florence (Churness) Rust on June 22, 1951, in Albert Lea, MN.

Stephen James “Rusty” Rust

Rusty was creative and a good artist. He enjoyed painting, playing trombone in the marching band, and reading, especially philosophy. Rusty graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1969 and went on to study English and art at Concordia College in Moorhead for a short time before starting his career as a truck driver. He loved driving and said that his first word was truck.

In 1977, Rusty married René Stillings and later moved to Simi Valley, CA for a few years with their two sons, Aaron and Travis. Upon moving back to Minnesota, the Rust family settled in Apple Valley and later Cleveland, MN.

Rusty drove truck four million miles over 44 years before retirement, ending his career as a driver with Walmart. After retiring, he moved to Colfax, Wisconsin where he lived for the last 10 years. The son of a Lutheran pastor, Rusty’s faith remained an important part of his life through the years. He was kindhearted and loved to help those less fortunate.

Rusty is survived by his sons, Aaron (Amy) Rust of Farmington, MN, and Travis (Anna Marx) Rust of Rogers, MN; former wife, René Rust; grandchildren, Henry, Elly, Tyler, and Lily Rust; siblings, Rachel (David) Carl, John (Addie) Rust, Lois Malepsy, and Eric (Brenda) Rust; eight nephews and one niece.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Obert and Florence Rust, and brother-in-law, Steve Malepsy.

A memorial service is tentatively planned for April 2024 at Oakland Lutheran Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com