Irwin Louis Rusch, 84, of Onalaska died peacefully on Thursday, November 10, 2016. Irwin was known as “Irv” by many who knew him well. He was “Irvie” to his family. Born on November 27, 1931 to Otto and Sophie (Tollefson) Rusch, Irwin grew up in Chili, Wisconsin and graduated from Marshfield Senior High School in 1949. Irwin enjoyed a 34 year career as a U.S. Postal Service worker, primarily as a rural mail carrier. Throughout most of his life, he also worked in the family business, the Rusch Garage in Chili. Starting as a young boy the garage was a central part of Irwin’s life, helping his parents and his older brother Allan. He became a skilled mechanic and he always enjoyed helping people which included rescuing many in need of a tow or repair, often in the middle of the night, or even in a snowstorm. Eventually he bought out the business and was the owner/operator for decades, working side by side with his dad for many of those years. Irwin spent some time taking college courses but decided to stay in Chili and be dedicated to his postal service career, supporting the family business and being close to family. For many years he was also a volunteer firefighter, an active member in the Immanuel United Methodist Church, and was involved as a member of the Lions Club in Chili.

Bowling was another passion for Irwin. He often bowled several nights a week for multiple leagues and rumor has it that this led to meeting and falling in love with his future wife Audrey Miller of Marshfield.

Irwin and Audrey were married May 11, 1968 at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield. They built a home next door to Irwin’s parents and the Rusch Garage, as spending time with family was important to them.

Later in life, Irwin and Audrey moved to Marshfield and it was in this home that they ultimately became caregivers for their parents. Up until 1995 they had a busy household while caring for both of their dads. Shortly after losing them, Audrey became ill and she passed away in 1997.

In the fall of 1999, Irwin moved to Onalaska to be close to extended family. Being able to attend when his great-niece or great-nephew had school activities and other events meant a great deal to him. He also joined the Onalaska United Methodist Church and the Onalaska Lions Club. In addition, he began walking at the Valley View Mall in La Crosse. He rarely spent a weekday without socializing with his dear mall friends. He loved keeping busy with all of these activities and he made many special friends that became a very important part of his life.

It was important to Irwin to serve others through his church and also Lions’ projects. The Lions Club International Foundation presented him with the distinguished Melvin Jones Fellow Award for his efforts and participation in service projects. Irwin loved doing things for others and giving to people in need, but he did so quietly. He was a private and humble man who always put the needs of others before his own, and he will be dearly missed.

Irwin is survived by his sister-in-law Phyllis Rusch of West Salem; niece Rochelle Rusch (husband Dan Bakkestuen) of Onalaska; nephew Robert Rusch (wife Ruth) of Maple Plain, Minnesota; great-nephew Darren Bakkestuen of Chattanooga, Tennessee; great-nieces: Megan Williams (husband Ben) of Madison, Wisconsin; Samantha Kurr (husband Paul) of Maple Plain, Minnesota and their children Ariah, Vincent and Truman; and Miranda Rusch of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Audrey, his brother Allan and three siblings who died in infancy (Marvin, Ila Mae, and Elaine Doris).

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 17^th, at the Onalaska United Methodist Church, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to the Onalaska United Methodist Church or the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.