Obituary of Rumie P. Nusz

Rumie Phillip. Nusz, age 88 of Menno passed away Thursday, February 09, 2017 at his home. Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Rumie was born on March 20, 1928, to F. August and Martha (Ulmer) Nusz on their family farm east of Menno. He was baptized at Ebenezer Reformed Church and confirmed into the Christian faith in 1942 at the Salem Reformed Church in Menno. He attended rural Molan School District through eighth grade and then began working full-time on the family farm. Rumie entered military service in March of 1951. He married Verlene Lehr on August 19, 1951 at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, and shipped out to Korea in December that same year. He was promoted to full Sergeant and earned a Bronze Star for his actions during combat ground operations. After being discharged from the Army, Rumie and Verlene moved to the Nusz family farm where they lived life and raised five children. He was a man of character and integrity, and loved and served the Lord throughout his life. Always curious, he enjoyed learning and was a serious reader. He also enjoyed “light” reading, with Beetle Bailey being a constant favorite. Although he never had the opportunity to attend high school, he wanted to show his children the importance of education and earned his GED at the age of 48. Rumie’s family was his priority. Even though there was always work to do, he liked to end the day with a quick family softball game in the yard (using disk blades for bases), some basketball in the hay loft (with a hoop made from rebar), or a competitive game of checkers (with checkers made from sawed pieces of a broom handle). He supported his family in all their endeavors and will be remembered for his love of family, compassionate heart and kind soul. Rumie is survived by his five children: Charles, Yankton, SD, David (Gaye), Omaha, NE, Kathy (Ken) Stepanek, Menno, SD, Tim (Maureen) Wyoming, IL, and Lisa (Greg) Larson, Elk Point, SD; their nine grandchildren: Sheridan and Brooks Nusz, Kyle (Loni) and Kaleb (fiancée Rachael Hecht) Stepanek, Alexandra, Levi, and Jacob Nusz, and Lukas and Noah Larson; sister-in-law Stella Nusz; and brother-in-law Elton (Janice) Lehr. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years; his parents; brothers Andrew and Sam Nusz; and sisters Delorzie Fields, Caroline Graber, Juliet Kaufman, and Mariee Nusz. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ability Building Services, 909 W. 23rd Street, Yankton, SD 57078.