Stephen P. Rusch

Stephen P. Rusch, 73, of Fremont, OH passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2024 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.  He was born on December 26, 1950, in Fremont, OH the son of Walter and Betty (Griffith) Rusch.  Steve married Carol Foos on April 11, 1970 at St. Ann Catholic Parish and she survives.  

Steve received his Associate’s degree in Business from Terra State Community College.  He was the second-generation owner of Walt Rusch Plumbing and Heating Inc., which he took over from his father and passed onto his son, Ryan. Steve was an active member of St. Ann Catholic Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for over thirty years.  

Steve is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Carol Rusch; children, Reneé (Dick) Batey, Ryan (Kathryn) Rusch, Ragan (Doug) Claypool all of Fremont, Rachael (Mathias) Haskell of Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren, Spencer, Alyssa and Morgan Batey, Vivian Kunkle, Lincoln Claypool; great-grandson, Knox Gilbert; brothers, Philip Rusch of Arizona and Patrick (Kristine) Rusch of Michigan.

Steve brought excitement to others through an array of activities: he was the drummer and vocalist of the band Yesterday’s Paper, he was a talented woodworker and creative, and no holiday or family gathering was complete without fireworks. He discovered various Caribbean beaches with family and friends, and had fun testing his luck in Las Vegas and other casinos. Steve, Carol, and their family enjoyed snow skiing and vacations in the Outer Banks. His wildly adventurous spirit forged many memories we will always remember. His sense of humor and passion for perfection made him one of a kind.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert and Richard Rusch.

Visitation: Monday, February 12, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH.

Mass of Christian Burial:  Tuesday, February 13, 2024; 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Parish, 1011 W. State St., Fremont, OH with an hour of visitation prior to mass at the church.

Memorials can be made to St. Ann Catholic Parish.