Robert “Bob” Paul Rusch
1942-2024
Robert “Bob” Paul Rusch, 82, of Rib Lake, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife and family, at the Rib Lake Nursing Home. He was born on June 5, 1942 in Milwaukee, to parents, Herman and Martha (Gebauer) Rusch. He was the third born of four brothers and his early life experiences shaped the values and interests that he would hold for a lifetime. Only 15 months apart in age, Bob and his “baby brother,” Tom, were especially close. His mother had two sisters, Pauline and Mary, who never married nor had families of their own. These aunts showered Bob and his brothers with attention and treats; he often said that while growing up he felt like he had three mothers.
Bob’s passion for the outdoors was kindled when, as a child, his family regularly took Sunday drives north from Milwaukee to the Kettle Moraine State Forest. He recalled being enthralled by the endless hills and evergreen trees, especially the plantations of red pine.
Bob graduated from Granville High School in 1961. He credited his high school German teacher with igniting in him a love of learning. This love would propel him on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Languages from Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Ind., and a Master of Arts degree in Comparative Tropical History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While studying at Madison, he routinely walked past the law school which gave him the idea of studying law. He believed that becoming a lawyer would offer a viable career path. Lawyers were paid to research, write, and speak, all tasks that he enjoyed. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1972.
Bob served as the Taylor County District Attorney from 1972 to 1980. He then became a criminal defense attorney, partnering with his brother, Tom, to form Rusch and Rusch Law Offices in Medford. Bob truly loved practicing law; he believed in due process and was a strong advocate for his clients. The brother’s partnership thrived until they retired simultaneously in June of 2009.
Bob married Karen Baumbach on June 18, 1967, in Milwaukee and they moved to Rib Lake in 1972 and made their home there. They later divorced but their relationship remained friendly and respectful. Bob’s parents were originally from Taylor County and it was his dream to live and own land in the area. The first piece of land Bob owned had been clear-cut in the 1950’s. He spent the rest of his life nursing the forest back to health. Bob planted thousands of trees, and, as the land naturally regenerated, he spent countless hours on “selective thinning”, pruning, and otherwise improving the quality and beauty of the forest. He built trails and provided signage so all could enjoy the woods he loved. Family and friends assisted him in his efforts, especially his son-in-law, Rodney Strobach, who Bob would call on often to “give him a hand.”
After many years together, Bob married Ann Dillon on Jan. 1, 2000. With Ann by his side, Bob continued his conservation efforts. They worked together to improve their land and property, love and support their children and grandchildren, and provide a home for their faithful canine companions. Ann remained a loving and devoted wife to Bob until his passing. Bob took up running “to relieve stress” in the 1980’s. He was not a fast runner, but exhibited incredible endurance, running over 230 marathons and ultramarathons (distances of 50 or 100 miles). The true secret to his success was the consistent support offered to him by Ann, who met him at every aid station. Her sacrificial care for him earned her the nickname, “Saint Ann.” Bob completed his final marathon in 2021, at age 79, accompanied by his nephew, Paul Wildes.
Undeterred by the snow and cold, Bob also loved to ski and snowshoe. He helped found the Rib Lake Ski & Snowshoe Club in 1983 and he served as its secretary for more than 30 years. A favorite winter event was the Northwood’s Snowshoe Championships, a marathon on snowshoes, that was held annually in Duluth, Minn., in January. Regardless of the weather conditions, Bob always completed the event, at times finishing with icicles hanging from his ears.
One of Bob’s biggest passion projects was the development of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Earlier this year he was given special recognition for 50 years of volunteer service. Some of his notable contributions include: serving on the Ice Age Trail Alliance Board of Directors for 10 years; establishing Timm’s Hill as the nation’s only Scenic Side Trail; working with the Village to have Rib Lake designated as an Ice Age Trail Community; making significant donations of land and funds; and negotiating with other land owners to host the trail. Bob was able to see a dream realized when the Rib Lake Segment of the trail was dedicated in October of 2023. Hundreds of people turned out to witness the ribbon cutting, hear his speech, and hike the trail. Many hikers took the time to thank him for all he had done to help build this beautiful trail.
Bob credits his parents for fueling his interest in history. He collected maps, pictures, and artifacts as a hobby throughout his lifetime. With the assistance of Cindy Sommer, who provided administrative support, his hobby blossomed into the formation of the Rib Lake Historical Society. When his son-in-law, Scott Riggs, told him he could put the documents online, Bob was thrilled. It was his goal to make history easily accessible to all and with that riblakehistory.com was born. Grandchild Raine Strobach later lent support, and the website is currently home to more than 30,000 images. In addition, Bob authored a book on Taylor County history published by Arcadia Publishing that details the settlement of the area, and its logging and tannery history.
In 1973, the Wisconsin Legislature established the Rustic Roads program to preserve scenic country roads. Because of Bob’s initiative, Taylor County is home to Wisconsin’s very first Rustic Road. Combining his loves of forestry and the law, Bob wrote a column, “It’s the Law” in the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association magazine for 30 years. He also provided the text for the Wisconsin State Historical Markers throughout Taylor County.
A proud German, Bob loved the German language and German beer. He took many trips to Germany and thoroughly enjoyed developing relationships with many of his German relatives.
Bob will be remembered for his deep pride in his children and grandchildren; his language, nature, and history lessons; his requests for help for “just five minutes” which often turned into an hour or more; his love of good conversation and the many, many stories he told.
To honor Bob, his family invites you to hike one of the trails he helped build. Invite a friend to join you. Pause to admire one of his many signs. And, if you really want to make him smile, throw the word “hemlockery” into your conversation.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; his daughters, Robin (Scott) Riggs and Kris (Rodney) Strobach; his brothers, Everett Rusch, Gerald (Joan) Rusch, and Thomas (Mary Ann) Rusch. Stepchildren, Jim (Margaret Lee) Dillon, Laura (Chad) Severson, Max (Elizabeth) Dillon; and Mike Dillon. Eight grandchildren, Mary (Nathan) Drum, Katherine (Rick) Ratliff-Boomer, Raine Strobach, Rebekah (Trey Foster) Strobach, Kirstin Riggs, Trinity Riggs, Brendan Riggs, and Colton Riggs; one great-grandson, Billy Drum; step-grandchildren, Jodi (Don) Behling and Kristy (James) Carlson. A sister-in-law, Barbara (Bill) Weber; and a brother-in-law, Rick (Karen) Killion; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and the many friends Bob held dear.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Martha Rusch; parents-in-law, Loren and Lorraine Killion; son-in-law, Rodney Strobach; sister-in-law, Caroline Rusch; nephew, Wally Rusch; and niece, Vicky Rusch.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s name to the Ice Age Trail Alliance or Hope Hospice.
Paid Obituary 161374
