of Webster Groves, MO 63119, passed away peacefully at The Fayette Caring Center in Fayette, Missouri, on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the age of eighty-nine. Hal was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Edna Rusk, his brother Milton and sister Martha.
Dearly loved husband of Marian Olson Rusk; dear father of Pamela Kaye (Sarah Perkins), Kevin Rusk, David Rusk, and grandfather of Makenzie (Steve) Murray, Zachary Barron, Nicholas Barron; Alexie Rusk, Katie Rusk; Mica Rusk, Maddy (Josh) Ballard and great-grandfather of Robin Murray; loving step-father of Elizabeth “Betsie”(Robert) Westrich and step-grandchildren Meredith Rusk Westrich and Robert Joseph Westrich III. Dear brother of Carol (Cliff) Wiltse; cherished brother-in-law, respected uncle, colleague, and friend.
Born in Denver, Colorado, on February 13, 1929, Hal enlisted in the Marines and served two years stationed in San Diego, following which he enrolled in Colorado State College in Greely, earning his B.S. degree in mathematics and physical education. After several years as a high school teacher and football and wrestling coach, Hal and his family moved to Town and Country, Missouri, where he became football coach and later an administrator at The Principia Upper School.
After receiving his Master’s Degree in counseling and high school administration at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Hal became principal of the North Junior High School in the Lindbergh School District and 9th grade principal and athletic director at Lindbergh High School until his retirement in 1989. A dedicated educator, he then worked an additional ten years as an administrative counselor at the Granite City Alternative School in Granite City, Illinois.
Hal enjoyed sports, outdoor activities, going to auctions, working with his wife Marian in their antique business and renovating their much-loved weekend Fayette home. He was a talented writer and storyteller with a beautiful singing voice and a lifelong student of Christian Science. Hal will be deeply missed forever by those who love him.
Services: A service honoring Hal’s life will be held at the Kutis Funeral Home, 10150 Gravois Road, Affton, Missouri, 63123, at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, with visitation at 10:00 A.M. Memorials may be made in Hal’s memory to The Fayette Caring Center, 501 South Park, Fayette, Missouri 65248, or PAWS (Pet Adoption and Welfare), 293 Highway 5 & 240, Fayette, MO 65248.