Helma Margaret Rusch 1908 - 2000

RUSCH SEEHUSEN LAUMBACH

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/16/2014 at 22:59:12

Sioux City Journal
20 July 2000

Longtime Crawford county resident dies in Wall Lake

Helma Margaret Rusch was born on a farm in rural Mapleton, Crawford County, Iowa, August 9, 1908, the daughter of Henry and Emma Seehusen Laumbach.

She was received into God's Kingdom of Grace through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism when she was an infant and confirmed in her Christian Faith in 1922 at Presho, South Dakota. She was raised on the farm at Presho, South Dakota receiving her formal education in the rural schools. Following her education she returned to Mapleton where she was employed in domestic work for her aunts.

On September 25, 1934, Helma was united in marriage with Harvey Rusch at Elk Point, South Dakota. Their union was blessed with five children, Beverly, Merlin, Lois May, Larry and Janice. They farmed in Crawford and Ida Counties moving to their Paradise Township farm in 1957.

After their retirement from farming they moved to Denison in 1980. When her health permitted Helma enjoyed fishing, playing cards, gardening and canning, walking and dancing. In earlier years she was a member of the Zion Ladies Aid and a local Square Dance Club.

Due to failing health Helma moved to Twilight Acres in Wall Lake, Iowa, March 16, 1995 and it was there her death occurred Wednesday evening, July 12, 2000. At the time of her death she had attained the age of 91 years, 11 months and 3 days.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison.

Including her parents Helma was preceded in death by three children, Merlin. Larry and Lois May Rusch, two granddaughters, Jean Ann Roach and Tammy Wunschel, one great-grandson, Jeff Dixon: four brothers, Edward, Walter, Raymond and Arlo Laumbach and three sisters, Alice Laumbach, Irene Mason and Madaleine Smith.

Those who remain to cherish her memory include her husband of over 65 years, Harvey Rusch of Wall Lake, Iowa; two daughters, Beverly and her husband, Duane Wunschel of Wall Lake and Janice and her husband, Ray Harris of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; one daughter-in-law, Theonne Rusch Kolls of LaQuinta, California; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister,
Martha Booth of Fort Pierre, South Dakota; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2000, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa, with Rev. Kurt R. Kaiser and the Rev. David M. Sewing officiating. Music for the service included Larry Boeck singing, "Old Rugged Cross" and the congregation singing, "Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me" and "Let us Ever Walk With Jesus". Karen Kahl served as organist.

Casket bearers included Chris Mumm, Michael Nollen, Randy Nollen, Ross Rusch, Roger Rusch, and Rick Wunschel, Interment was at Morgan Township Cemetery, Schleswig, Iowa. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.