Donald J. Ruschill 1930-1999

RUSCHILL, DAVEY, DILLAVOU

Posted By: deb (email)
Date: 4/26/2015 at 22:55:49

The Hawk Eye

Donald J. Ruschill, 69, of New London, died Tuesday, December 21, 1999, at the New London Nursing and Rehab Center.

Born February 11, 1930, in Burlington, he was the son of Karl F. and Marjorie Davey Ruschill. He married Delores Dillavou June 4, 1950, in Burlington.

He attended Lee County schools and was an Army veteran of the Korean War, serving as mine demolishinist with the Hell on Wheels Division of the Fifth Army in Germany. He received the distinguished award for the most outstanding soldier of the week in Germany on Armed Forces Day in 1953. Later he was a member of the 495th Army Engineer Battalion of Burlington, retiring as warrant officer in 1962.

In his early years he worked for A.J. Stumpf and the Jack A. Schroder Construction Company in Burlington. From 1956 until 1987 he operated a mechanical, welding and machine shop in New London. From 1963 until retiring in 1987, he designed and built wheels and rims for the agriculture industry.

Mr. Ruschill served two terms on the New London City Council and served on the Burge Cemetery Board for 13 years, five years as president.

He was a member of the New London United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge No. 28 A.F. & A.M. in New London, Eagles and Moose Lodges in Burlington, was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7641, a former member and director of the Iowa Blacksmith and Welders Association and a former member of the National Blacksmith and Welders Association. He received the Blacksmith of the Year award in 1977.

Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Debra Burden of New London; seven grandchildren; one brother, James Ruschill of Mount Pleasant; two sisters, Jo Ann Yaley of Fort Madison, and Dorothy Hinson of Niota, Illinois; and his father-in-law, Raymond Dillavou of Denmark.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son and one daughter.

Friends may call after noon today with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Elliott Chapel in New London, where Masonic rites will be conducted at 6:30 p.m.

The funeral for Mr. Ruschill will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Elliott Chapel with the Reverend Bob Dameron officiating. Burial will be in Burge Cemetery in New London. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW Post 7641 of New London.

A memorial has been established.