Thomas Templeton Rusk

Thomas Templeton Rusk, age 87, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on February 7, 1939, in Jackson Township, Owen County, Indiana, Thomas grew up on a farm, where he had a pet chicken named Skip because it had a broken right leg. He graduated from Graysville High School in 1957 and served in the United States Navy as a radarman aboard the USS Tarawa before earning his degree from Purdue University in 1963. His work in agriculture led to a career managing farm properties and later a long career as a trust officer at U.S. Bank.

On August 25, 1968, Thomas married Joanna Rolewicz. They shared 36 years of marriage and raised two children, Andhra and Ian. In later years, he found companionship with his longtime sweetheart, Gloria Vogel.

Thomas was a man of quiet wisdom, curiosity, and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved sailing, golfing with friends, working Sudoku puzzles, following current events, and telling a good joke. His adventures took him to 49 states and, during his Navy service, nearly to the North Pole and Antarctica.

Above all, Thomas treasured his family and gatherings around the table for a home cooked meal or a good steak dinner. Known lovingly as Poppa, he shared stories, laughter, and wisdom that his children and grandchildren will always carry with them.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Pauline Rusk; his wife, Joanna Rusk; his brother, John Rusk; and Gloria Vogel.

He is survived by his children, Andhra (Rob) Lehrer and Ian Rusk; his grandchildren, Dylan Lehrer, Britain (Chris) Karch, Mariana Lehrer, Logan Lehrer, Jayden Lehrer, and Grace Duggan; his great-grandchildren, Aspen and Lincoln Karch; his sister, Joan (Charles) Shaw; nephews Tom (Crystal) Shaw, Brian (Tammy) Shaw, and John (Lori) Shaw; his extended family in California, Jane (Jim) Duggan; and other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

A private family service and burial with military honors will be held on June 12, 2027, at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Prior Lake.

memorial service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services