Boutwell “Russ” Rustad

Boutwell “Russ” Rustad, age 86, of Willmar, died Friday, October 30, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

A private memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake. Interment will be at West Norway Lake Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Boutwell Clifford Rustad, Jr. was born May 20, 1934, in Norway Lake Township near Sunburg, Minnesota, the son of Boutwell “Burton” and Grace (Hande) Rustad. He was raised on Games Lake, where his family operated Rustad’s Resort. He was baptized and confirmed at West Norway Lake Lutheran Church and graduated from New London High School. On March 6, 1953, he married Dorothy Nelson at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. They lived in Little Falls, Sauk Centre, Minneapolis and Willmar. Russ worked primarily as a salesman; and prior to retirement he was a Food Sales Represntaive for Kraft Foods.

Russ was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles since 1974. He was an avid outdoorsman: he was active with the Eagles Sno Club, and enjoyed many hunting trips out West and fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. Russ will always be remembered for his great sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife: Dorothy Rustad of Willmar, MN; his children: Mike of Pipestone, MN, Steve of Spicer, MN, and Julie, Jodi (and Larry) VandeSteeg, and Dana, all of Willmar; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister-in-law: Phyllis Rustad; a niece: Holly (and Ben) Danielson; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother: Philip Rustad in 1999.