Lorraine Rusch

Lorraine V. Rusch, 96, peacefully went to her eternal home on Friday, April 8th, 2022, at Aspirus Hospice House, with family by her side.  Lorraine was born in Wausau on October 31,1925, to Arnold and Herta (Plisch) Voigt, of Hamburg, WI.  She graduated from Wausau High School in 1944 and worked at the Rationing Board until the end of World War II.

On September 10, 1947, she married LeRoy Rusch at St. Peters Lutheran Church in the town of Hamburg.  They built their life and home in the town of Stettin and lovingly raised five children.  They were also blessed to celebrate 70 years of marriage.  Lorraine enjoyed working side by side with LeRoy as Town of Stettin Deputy Clerk and she also was elected and served two terms as Marathon County Treasurer.  She was a dedicated homemaker all of her life and her family was continually amazed by her unique ability to creatively problem solve.  Lorraine was a talented seamstress who devotedly made ‘one-of-a-kind’ handmade quilts for each grandchild.  She cherished her time with her grandchildren and special moments with great-grandchildren.

Lorraine is survived by her five children: David (Laura), Culver City, CA; LeAnn Salassa, Wausau; Dan (Nancy), Minneapolis, MN;  Nolan (Karen), Wausau; Amy (Dave) Thunder, Wausau.  Lorraine was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother, Carl Voigt and sister Lola Schmidt.  She was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl, Donald and Edward Voigt; and five sisters, Delores Scheu, Doris Staus, Marion Heahlke, Mae Mathwich and Lois Achterberg.

Lorraine's Christian faith guided her throughout her life and was a faithful example to her family.  Lorraine will be dearly missed by her loved ones who celebrate the fact that she is now in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.  We thank God for the Love and Faithfulness Mom showed to her family and friends throughout her lifetime.  Her funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 13th, 2022, at Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 Townline Road, Wausau, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. David Wetmore will officiate.  Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.

Arrangements are being made by Helke Funeral Home and on-line condolences can be sent to our family guest book at helke.com.  Memorial gifts received will be given to Christ Lutheran Church.

The family would especially like to thank Interim Health Home Care staff and Aspirus Hospice House staff for the excellent, compassionate care they provided for our Mom.