Thomas Lee Rustand, 82, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Tom's funeral will be at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. central time with a luncheon to follow. Private family burial will take place at the South Dakota State Veteran's Cemetery prior to the service.
Tom was born in Tyler, Minnesota on May 25, 1941, to Clarence Inor and Louise (Hagge) Rustand. He attended grade school in Minneota, Minnesota before completing his high school education in Russell, Minnesota. Following high school, he served four years in the United States Air Force and received an Honorable Discharge in 1963. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Janice Vercruysse, on December 16, 1961, at Grace Lutheran Church in Russell, Minnesota and they were married for nearly 62 years.
Tom and Jan had two sons. Tony (Franny Cantrell, Bobby and Mark Cantrell) of Carney, Oklahoma and Tim (Elaine Palmberg) and grandkids, Mikaela and Levi Rustand of Brandon, South Dakota. Tom’s family was always the center of his life. He enthusiastically participated in the events of their growing-up years and was incredibly proud of the adults they have become. His comforting thought was that his family knew Jesus.
Tom started Rustand Business Machines in Marshall, Minnesota and operated it until 1972. He then began working at Farmers State Bank in Russell, Minnesota. Tom eventually purchased the bank and operated it with Jan until selling the bank in 1982 and moving to Sioux Falls.
He enjoyed fishing in Canada for many years with friends. He and Jan also enjoyed traveling in their camper to Arizona for over 25 years in the winter. There they were avid hikers, bikers, and adventurers with their young-at-heart friends. Tom had many special memories with grandkids that included swimming, fort-making, biking, canoeing, exploring, and doing many of the things that only grandparents can get away with.
Tom’s personality made people feel special and important. He made friends wherever he lived. Tom was quick to serve others or simply share coffee and conversation. He took great joy in being a “behind-the-scenes” servant. A summer highlight was faithfully serving at Rodeo Bible Camp for many years which combined his love of kids, horses, and sharing the gospel. He was instrumental in encouraging The Liberty Quartet from Idaho, to bring their Gospel message to Abiding Savior for over 13 years. Many people will remember Tom as the warm smile, firm handshake, and welcoming personality that greeted them at church on Sunday mornings.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert C. Rustand, his sister-in-law, Deanna Rustand, and nephews, Lee Rustand and Steve Regnier. He is survived by his immediate family and one sister, Phyllis Regnier, from St. Peter, Minnesota and nieces and nephews.
To watch Tom's service virtually please click on the link below, provided by the church, approximately 10 minutes before the start of the funeral. https://www.abidingsavior.church/live/
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