Arlene D. Rusch

Arlene D. Rusch (nee Nickel) was called to her eternal home on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the age of 92. Arlene was born in the town of Wayne on December 10, 1933, the daughter of the late Robert and Leonora (nee Pamperin) Nickel. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Allenton, WI. Arlene received her degree from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN and enjoyed teaching young children at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Mt. Calvary and later at David’s Star Lutheran School in Jackson, WI, where her kindness left a meaningful impression.

On August 11, 1957, Arlene was united in marriage to the late Marvin Rusch and together they worked side by side on their dairy farm, where Arlene faithfully handled the record‑keeping, finances, and day‑to‑day business duties that kept the farm running smoothly. Arlene was also a devoted, life‑long member of David’s Star Ladies Aid.

Marvin and Arlene were blessed with 6 children in their 58 years of marriage. Arlene took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, and lovingly expressed her care through cooking, baking, and organizing family gatherings.

Arlene is survived by her children: Carol (Paul) Janke, Keith (Elaine) Rusch, Kathleen (Jim) Brandt, Connie (Matthew) Enevold, Carrie (Jon) Sanford and Kim (Shannon) Leitzke; and by her sisters-in-law Gladys Oestreich and Dorothy Rusch.

Further survived by 17 grandchildren: Jennifer (Kevin) Mangini, Jessica (Jesse) Johnston, Peter (Alanna) Janke, Erik (Amanda) Janke, Andrew Rusch, Joel (Abby Kroken) Rusch, Rebecca Rusch, Benjamin (Kirsten) Rusch, Samuel (Ayumi) Brandt, Zach Brandt, Jake (Katie) Brandt, Jared (Kelly) Enevold, Josh (Hannah) Enevold, Molly (Steve) Griebenow, Laura (Nate) Wachnicki, Alyssa (Philip) Maio, and Austin Leitzke; as well as 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Marvin Rusch; one grandchild, Thomas Sanford; brothers, sisters, and in-laws: Roland, Bernice, and Shirley Nickel, Melvin and Betty Nickel, Evelyn and Gilmer Christian, Marcella and Carl Christian, Leonard Rusch, and Richard Oestreich.

Arlene’s Christian funeral will be held at David’s Star Lutheran Church in Jackson, WI, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place immediately following the service at the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service from 12:00 – 1:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to David's Star Lutheran Church, Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, WELS World Missions or Kingdom Workers are appreciated. 

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40)