Let’s see we become friends when we were 11 through you cousin Alda, then we became brothers always said we had Each other’s back no matter what we grew up started working at oak cove resort when we were teenagers Then we got our licenses oh boy then the fun started lol We had fun And then I was The summer before I was a senior in high school we were sleeping outside in the back of my pick up truck and I’ll suddenly we got scared because there was a skunk that went right past the tailgate Luckily it didn’t spray I have too many memories of you and trust me I will share them with the wife and kids Miss you brother love you Rip Until we meet again

Posted by Chad noel-jones on December 24, 2021

From the first time I met you, you became my brother. Although you were older, I looked at you like a little brother. Mostly because I was always on your tail to stay out of trouble, I'd help keep you in line, and keep you safe. I have so many different memories of you, I can't list them all. However, I do want to post these few. When Larry and I finally bought our house, you and Jr came over to see it and say "congratulations", and she made me the best cookies EVER. You then came back the following month, WAY out of your way, to help us with plowing both our driveways. You told me you'd charge $30, but you would always refuse to take the money, so I had to start throwing it in your truck when you weren't looking, lol. You then thought of us first, like you'd always do putting yourself last, and gave your old plow truck to Larry, to help him out when you got the newer truck, so he wouldn't have to struggle anymore trying to shovel. Anything that you could do, you would do. You didn't have a dime to your name, or a pot to piss in most the time, but you were ALWAYS there! I'd call you just to talk, and you'd always listen. We miss you so much man, but I know we will see you again!! Till then we love you brother. P.s. I've got your girls!! 💜

Posted by Amber Kingseed on December 22, 2021

So many memories of you!! I could always count on you to have my back to the fullest when I was in school and getting bullied every single day you and aunt Erika are the ones who helped me. Who basically saved my life! Idk what we are gonna do without you here! Without your wise words, even your smart mouth lol. You always said our hopper blood is thick and strong and we are fighters! You also said we "never lose or give up" well unk it's okay to not always win!! We will be okay. We know that you are here with us always!! We stopped talking as much as we used to and I'm sorry that we fell off like that. But I am so thankful that I got to see you awhile back and actually get a picture with you! First time I've actually seen and met you since I was a little baby!! Miss you so much uncle rusty! Forever our angel!!

Posted by Stephanie rath (his niece) on December 20, 2021

For some reason that we do not know your job on Earth is done. You are now a guardian angel in heaven watching and protecting your family from above. Rest In Peace. I am sure you know how much your friends and family miss you. Your memory will live on forever. So it’s not goodbye but see you later.

Posted by Donna Kostrubiec on December 20, 2021

I don’t even know where to start. There’s so many things you’ve done! Three years ago I was going the toughest patch of my life and you were there you messaged me every single day and made it your mission to make me smile and if I didn’t answer yoour text you would call me until I answered! A couple years I came to Michigan and stayed with you for almost a month and you didn’t want me or zoey to leave! You were my best friend! When any tiny little problem happened in my life I came to you because I knew you would know what to say witch was mostly ( do you want me to kick they’re ass) I loved you more then I told you! I was so blessed to have you has my uncle! And to have a love like yours in my life! I will love you always ( we use to say that to each other it was always i love you always never I love you or I love you too just I love you always). You will forever be my favorite person even tho you have to be my favorite person In heaven ❤️

Posted by Eliane kruecke (His niece) on December 19, 2021

I never got to meet you in person just via video. You were a very warm caring man. One that loved his family unconditionally. You even stuck up for me before we met via video. I was touched how you cared even though we never met in person. I’ll do my best to comfort your wife & family from here. No matter what she will always be my sister in law, I understand how Erika feels. RIP Russal.

Posted by Margaret on December 18, 2021

May you rest in peace my friend. Till we meet again.

Posted by Anonymous on December 17, 2021

It's true about caring & always willing to be there. The first time meeting you you were very nice & Caring.

Posted by Tamara Kemp on December 17, 2021

It was always nice chatting with you because I felt we got along immediately. I'm going to miss you! Erika and I will always remain family and I'll make sure to check in on her often ❤

Posted by Branscum Cynthia on December 17, 2021

I have so many memories with Rusty. Starting as far back as when I was in 8th grade talking to skot(Jason) on the phone. They used to fight so much and rusty enjoyed getting loud singing country songs loudly because that annoyed his big brother the most, that's why!! Lol. As we all grew up through out the years 1 thing is for sure, Rusty loves his country. A true country boy at heart always giving and loving. And do not cross his family. I miss this old soul. But the best memories I enjoy watching through fb the most are what a devoted dad he has been. He was more then a father, he was a daddy. Because anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a daddy. I'm grateful he got the chance to try my venison Chilli and loved it. I'm grateful for our friendship into adults. I was looking forward to spending more time with this family. I will spend time with them but will be missing him. A loyal respectful friend / family gone too soon. My dad was only 32 when he passed and Rusty only 38.. my heart breaks for his family. Especially his Jr. This kid I got a chance to know. Also for laughs and giggles I always told Rusty he would make a pretty girl. His Jr. Is living proof of this. She looks like her daddy and she's beautiful 😍 I will do whatever I can to help this family as my own as I know that Rusty would do the same for all of us!! I'm especially thankful for all the love that he showed his family through fb so they have his voice, his thoughts in the moment fill their hearts with the memories. Not many guys would put all that out in public but I admire that so much and now the family has this for a life time. P.s. this is never too long when it comes to our loved ones!!

Posted by Crystal Allison-wagner on December 17, 2021

Rusty was amazing family man and friend he will be deeply missed. Fly high cousin look over your family and friends. We love you

Posted by Betty Burnett Nielander on December 17, 2021

Rusty, You have been a true friend. We are really going to miss you, from you calling to see if we need you to plow to seeing some of the crazy posts that you made on facebook...lol...you left us way too soon and our hearts ache for your passing. I know we will see you again when it is our time to, until then I know you will be looking down on us and giving us a hint every now and then that you are still with us. We love you always.

Posted by Ramon and Tressa Beltran on December 16, 2021