Thomas G Rusch, of Antigo, passed away Friday, December 4, 2020, of natural causes while checking his minnow traps. He was 86 years old. He was born on April 12, 1934, in Antigo, a son of Reinhart and Emma (Hasse) Rusch. He married Maryjane Hendricks on July 22, 1953 in Wausau. She survives.

He has worked as a bait dealer since he was a young man beginning with a route in northern Wisconsin selling to resorts. He later opened his own bait shop currently operating as Rusch's Bait Barn on Highway 45, north of Antigo.

He enjoyed ice fishing and hunting.

Survivors including his wife are a daughter, Barbara (Michael) West, Elton; a son, Bill (Ginny) Rusch, Antigo; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Gilbert, Tuscon, Arizona, Ryan Rusch, Antigo, Becky Hoffman, Antigo, Julie (Joseph) Paopao, Antigo, Amanda (Fletcher) Walkush, Rocklin, California; two step-grandchildren Andrew (Keisha) Schlub, Antigo, Alexandra Schlub, Antigo; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jo Ann "Toots" Collums, Gulf Port, Mississippi; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark; five sisters, Louise Lenno, Illa Mae Kopeschka, Germaine Lukowicz, Edith Dvorak, Avis Stengel; three brothers, Arthur, Ervin, and Robert Rusch.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 6 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. David Karolus officiating.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church.
Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Services