Wayne Rustad, 80

Wayne Rustad, 80

Wayne Christian Rustad, 80, of Austin, Minnesota passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at the Cedars of Austin with family at his side. Wayne was born on January 11, 1944 in Rushford, Minnesota to Clifford & Dora (Torgerson) Rustad. He grew up on farms in the Rushford area, and was baptized and confirmed at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. He graduated from Rushford High School in 1962 and from Winona State College in 1965 with a degree in elementary education. Later he earned a master’s degree. He taught for two years in Preston, Minnesota before moving to Austin where he continued to teach until his retirement in 2000. In 1969 he met a fellow teacher, Geraldine (Gerry) Carlstrom, and they were married in 1970 in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Through the years Wayne was active in church activities and with Hot Meals on Wheels where he served as president and driver coordinator in addition to delivering meals. Wayne also worked as a crop hail adjuster for Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa for many summers. He especially loved golfing, and enjoyed canoeing in the Boundary Waters, deer hunting, listening to music, and reading books by his favorite authors. He faithfully read the Star Tribune newspaper every day. He took up coin collecting as a hobby after he retired. His lifetime achievement was getting two holes in one playing golf with friends. He loved to tell stories, was proud of his Rushford roots, and loved his family.

Once Gerry retired in 2003, they began spending parts of every winter in Apache Junction, Arizona where his favorite activities were golfing, hiking, and playing games and going out to eat with friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gerry; daughter, Laura (Chad) Sayles; two granddaughters, Natalie (Nick) Baier and Emily (Trent) Brown; two great grandchildren, Bennett and Chloe Baier. Also surviving are two brothers, Dale Rustad and Rick (Shirley) Rustad; brother-in-law, Charles Ruen; and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Dora; his sister, Gloria Ruen; daughter, Susan Beth, who died at 15 months of age; and two sisters-in-law, Becky Rustad and Lesy Rustad.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Reverend Dr. Kristen Venne officiating. Visitation will be held at 9:30 am Thursday until the time of the service. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Austin; Hot Meals on Wheels, Austin; or donor’s choice.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.