Mary Rusert

MARY E. (DRENCKHAHN) RUSERT

Mary Elizabeth Tripp Drenckhahn Rusert, age 80, of Lewiston, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at her home with her husband Daryl and best friend, Barb Nelson, at her side.

Mary was born on January 14, 1936, in St. Paul Park, MN, to Herman and Ella (Johnston) Tripp.  She was united in marriage with W. Daryl Rusert on August 14, 1999, in Lakewood (Tacoma), Washington.

She graduated from Park High School in 1953, and went on to earn her teaching degree from Winona Teachers College in 1957.  Mary completed her graduate work in education at the University of Minnesota, and received her Master’s Degree in Education in 1960.  While at the University of Minnesota, Mary served her practicum in Edina, MN.  She had a long career as a secondary special education teacher, and taught in Minnesota City, Altura, Lewiston, and Winona.  Following her retirement from the Winona Public Schools in 1993, Mary continued to work under the Federal Education Program, and she served as the Director of Special Education at Winona State University from 1994-1997.  She had a deep devotion to helping children, and in recognition of her commitment to education, Mary was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1968.

Mary was a member of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona, and was an associate member of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Zapata, TX, where she and Daryl enjoyed spending the winters.

She will be remembered for her love of nature, and some of her favorite outdoor activities included: riding her motorcycle, counting eagles, morel mushroom hunting, deer hunting, UTV rides down in the valley by the farm, flowers and working in the garden.  Mary especially enjoyed the time she spent canoeing and serving as a Girl Scout leader in the Boundary Waters at Camp Widjiwagon.  Mary had an appreciation for all kinds of music, especially classical and blue grass, and she enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adelines.  Family was very important to her, and she enjoyed the “Family Frolic” at the Arches, and making funnel cakes at Steamboat Days.  Mary will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Mary is lovingly survived by her husband of 17 years, Daryl, Lewiston, MN; children: Kathleen (Wade) Drenckhahn, Canon City, CO; Brad Drenckhahn, Crystal, MN; Randy (Deb) Rusert, Utica, MN; Rhonda (Jerry) Lonigro, San Antonio, TX; Ron (Jane) Rusert, Lewiston, MN; Rebecca (Clem) Felix, Wilson, MN; Rick Rusert, Lewiston, MN; grandchildren: Sunni , Travis, Kyle, Shannon, Dulcie, Tanya, Marshall, Misty, Dallas, Amber, Dustin, and Lance; 11 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law: Lorenz Rusert, Winona; sister-in-law: Lorna (Oliver) Clemenson, Crookston, MN; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 328 East Broadway, Winona, from 1 PM until the time of the funeral service at 3 PM.  The Reverend Richard A. Moore will officiate.

Mary will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony.

Pallbearers will be: Brad Drenckhahn, Randy Rusert, Rick Rusert, Ron Rusert, Lance Rusert, and Dustin Felix.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that memorials be directed to the Winona HIMS, or to St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Mary’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.