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David Rushka Obituary
David Joseph Rushka, cherished husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away suddenly on Friday afternoon, July 27, 2012. The son of the late Joseph and Flossie Estelle Kollath Rushka, he was born in Decatur, Illinois on September 17, 1930. He married Rosemary Hoell, the love of his life, on December 26, 1953, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Following marriage, Dave and Rosemary made their home in Daly City, California, where they raised their family and made many lifelong friends. Dave graduated from East High School, Green Bay, Wisconsin and had a long career in sales management, frequently traveling throughout California.
He was a friend to everyone, a jokester of the highest order, and a beloved father and grandfather. In his retirement he continued sailing on San Francisco Bay, attending SF Symphony rehearsals, riding his bike, reading, attending his grandchildren's many sporting and musical events, and getting together for lunch regularly with his guy pals. He was also an avid Civil War aficionado. He enjoyed every minute of the frequent gatherings of his extended CA family and also loved visiting numerous relatives in the Midwest. In his retirement, one of his greatest sources of joy was being with his grandchildren. He was a humble man, but cast a huge shadow in the lives of those who knew him. His motto always was "Dave Rushka - Little ego, a ton of pride."
Dave is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosemary; a sister Jane (Alfred) Salogga; three children, Mary Rushka (Lee) Shoop, Joseph (Roberta) and John (Karen) Rushka; grandchildren Patrick, Devin and Laurel Shoop; Alex, Alyssa and Emily Rushka; Joseph, Michael and Katie Rushka and many cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the United States.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass to be held Thursday, August 2 at 11 a.m., Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1 Elmwood Drive, Daly City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Program and Pastoral Funds or to the Assistance League of San Mateo County, 528 N. San Mateo Dr, San Mateo, Ca 94401.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Rushka
Debra and Don Hauff
August 17, 2012
To the entire Rushka family...my memories are of the Rushka family during my years attending Holy Angels School with Mary...My few times visiting the Rushka home after school will be remembered always. My sympathies especially to Mary's mom; I lost my father, Alex Sola, a year and a half ago but it still seems just like yesterday...you always remember the good times or try to.
Tony Braden
August 14, 2012
Paul and family,
It sounds like Dave was a great man. I wish I could have helped more.
Gerry Cannon
August 5, 2012
I am sorry to learn of Dave's passing. I have great memories of Dave, Rosemary and Mary, sailing at Lake Merced. I was the lifeguard at the Lake, and I was introduced to sailing by the Rushkas. My family....including grandchildren...sail SF Bay frequently, and when asked how I 'got into sailing', I look back with fond memories to our days at the Lake. My best wishes to the Rushka family.
suzanne schneider
August 4, 2012
Rosemary and Family,
I was always, Sister Sue , to Dave.
I am sure you have many treasured memories , my prayer is that they will comfort you in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Sue Schneider, Jan's sister.
Susan Barba
August 1, 2012
U. Dave was a kind, funny man. I was lucky to have known him! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Susan
Lynn Kollath
August 1, 2012
Rosemary and Family,
Again, our deepest condolences on your loss. We have always felt a special relationship with our Rushka relatives, especially since you all came to the farm for our happy reunion several years ago. Those trees we planted are growing and doing well. Please know that you're always invited back any time! Our son, Jon, suggested that we plant a tree for Dave now. We'll always remember his sparkling wit and the stories he loved to tell.
Lynn and Vida and family
Kathleen Christensen
July 31, 2012
I only met him a couple times but that's exactly what I remember about him--the twinkle in his eye. Heartfelt condolences to all his loved ones.
Lon & Donna Kollath
July 31, 2012
Rosemary,
I will always be indebted to "Cousin Dave" for coming and saving me. You may not remember, but during the summer of my Soph./Junior year of college I spent it as a firefighter in San Bernardino. I was riding my motorcycle back to school @ the Univ. of MT and was stopping in Daly City to see Aunt Flossie, you and Dave. About 10 miles from your house my mortorcycle broke down on the freeway. "Cousin Dave" came and rescued me and helped me get my motorcycle fixed and I got back to school on time.
Donna and I are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
A Scott
July 31, 2012
I am so sorry for your sudden loss. May Gods promise to awaken David from his rest bring you comfort at this sad time.
Amy & Lee Christel
July 31, 2012
Our loving thoughts and sympathy to the entire family....Dave will be missed tremendously. My husband, Lee, and I will remember Mr. Rushka as a welcoming presence, the patriarch of so many family occasions we were invited to share as longtime friends of Mary and Lee's. Dave had a huge smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a warm handshake that made everyone feel at ease. Clearly, he was a person who touched and was touched by many lives, but none so much as those of his beloved Rosemary, their children and their grandchildren. Dave was outspokenly proud of all their accomplishments, and made it a point to be present in their lives. He modeled for all an unsurpassed joie de vivre.
Our love and condolences to Rosemary, to our dear friend, Mary, and to the Rushka and Shoop families. We will cherish his memory.
Mike and Cheryl Currie
July 31, 2012
Sending your family our love and prayers, and our very deepest sympathy to all. We will remember Dave's great smile and engaging personality. Our hearts are with you.
Steve & Kris Cirby
July 30, 2012
Joe & Berta, and the entire Rushka family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
July 30, 2012
So sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Rushka! Martin and I were glad to see him and the family only 2 months ago with the same smile and energy! May fond memories comfort all of you during this sad time. Love Maura & Martin Joyce
Pam Lagomarsino Delnevo
July 30, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Rushka's passing. Even though it's been years and years, I have vivid memories of his laughter and sense of humor. I know my parents thought very highly of him. My sincere condolences to the Rushka Family.
Laura Getman
July 30, 2012
I am heartbroken for the entire family..my love and condolences go out to you all..I loved your Dad, Mary and
am here for you. My love and prayers are with you all. I send
a special love to your mother.
Melanie Mountanos-Pardini
July 30, 2012
So sad to hear the news! David was a one in a million person....Happy, Positive, Caring, and proud of his children! Sending to your our love and prayers!! Love ya! Steve and Melanie Pardini
Kevin Carroll
July 30, 2012
Whether camping at the Napa Valley Ranch Club, sailing on the San Francisco Bay, or just hanging out around the Rushka home, Dave had a knack for making those around him feel very welcome. Love and prayers for the Rushka family in this difficult time, and much gratitude for a life well-lived.
July 30, 2012
David was a very special cousin. I loved being around him...........always so much fun and caring. I'll never forget the time we spent at our grandparents home during our reunion, remembering the past and how much David loved talking about it. I wished he could have been a bigger part of my life and I hold his family in my heart with love. Blake and Suzanne Prelipp
gail edwards rodriguez
July 29, 2012
Our heartfelt condolences to the Rushka family; our love and prayers are with you all. Fond memories of Dave abound as a lover of fun with a hearty laugh, always with a kind word and as a true gentleman.
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