Wiliam John Rush

STOUGHTON- William John Rush, age 83, of Stoughton, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2009, in Stoughton. He was born on April 5, 1926 in Hawarden, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Esther (Kusch) Rush. Bill graduated from high school in 1944, the following day he enlisted with the United States Army. Bill proudly served his country during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge with the 89th Infantry Division and participated in the liberation of the Ohrdruf concentration camp in Germany. During the Korean War, Bill again re-enlisted to help serve his country. While working as a drill sergeant at Camp McCoy, he met his future wife, Donna Jean Christenson, at a dance. They were united in marriage on Nov. 10 1951. Bill was the superintendent of Public Works for Hawarden until 1972, when he moved to Sheldon, Iowa to become the City Manager until his retirement in 1988. Following his retirement, Bill and Donna moved back to Stoughton to care for Donna\'s parents. He enjoyed following the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, especially since he was a share holder, bird watching and reading and camping. Bill was an original board member of the Town of Dunn, representing Bayview Heights and was a driving force behind the construction of the storm shelter in Bayview Heights. Bill is survived by sons, Robert Rush (Linda) of Marshalltown, Iowa, Ron (Tammy) Rush of Litchfield Park, Arizona, and Richard (Joleen) Rush of Leon, Iowa; son-in-law, Michael Lumina; grandchildren, Amy Rush, Aric Rush, Matthew Lumina, Dominic Wright and Vincent Wright; great-grandsons, Charles Wright and Maxwell Rush; a great-granddaughter, Myah Wright; sisters, Jean (Buddy) Smith of Blakley, Georgia, Charlene (David) Anderson of Storm Lake, Iowa and Pat (Jim-deceased) Wall of Alta, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Glenn) Lorenzen and Mary Orvis; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; daughter, Chris Lumina; his parents; brothers, Robert and Paul Rush. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. Visitation will be held from 10:30 until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Town of Dunn Burial Grounds, with military rites. Memorials may be made in Williams name to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School. Memorials: Memorials may be made in Williams name to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School. Cemetery: Burial will be at Town of Dunn Burial Grounds, with military rites. Visitation: Visitation will be held from 10:30 until the time of service at the church. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009.