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Fernando Rustia Obituary

MD RACINE - Dr. Fernando Francia Rustia, 53, died unexpectedly in the arms of his beloved wife, Nancy, on Sunday, June 6, 2010. He was born in Manila, Philippines on January 21, 1957, the son of the late Alfredo and Erlinda (nee: Francia) Rustia. Dr. Rustia graduated from the University of Washington-Seattle and was an avid Husky fan. He received his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Rustia had been in practice in Racine for over 13 years. He was presently associated with the Aurora Health Center. On May 31, 2008, in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nancy Jane Cupps Wolfe. They shared a short, but magical romance. Dr. Rustia's life was devoted to caring for the welfare of all children. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Wisconsin Medical Association, the Racine Medical Association, and was an active participant in the Health Care Network. He enjoyed competing in ballroom dancing, photography, and painting. Surviving are his loving wife, Nancy; his stepdaughter, Mary Jordan Wolfe, both at home; brother, Carlos (Micha Burnett) Rustia; sister, Juana (Larry) Martin, all of Seattle, Wash.; brother- in-law, Mark (Patricia) Cupps of Decanter, Ala.; and nephews, Sam Martin, Anthony Ryan (Jill Rosmand) Cupps, and Nicholas Ira Cupps. His Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 7 p.m. with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Relatives and friends may met with the family in the church on Thursday from 5 p.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials in his name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the American Diabetes Association. DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 4600 County Line Road 552-9000 www.draeger-langendorf.com

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Published by Racine Journal Times on Jun. 9, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Fernando Rustia

Not sure what to say?





Nancy Rustia

April 14, 2023

The years have past, the wonderful memories remain. The lose is as real as the day it happened. My love for you has not deemed. I never imagined life passing without you here on this earthly plane by my side, it has been tough. I know in my heart that when I leave this earthly plane I will be with you again. Until I see you and we have our next dance know my heart and love remain with you. I love you and am grateful for every memory. I´m especially thankful for the love you had for me. Until we meet again, my love

Theresa Leal

July 9, 2010

A month has gone by already and still feel like it's a bad dream that you're gone. We all wish you were still here. You'll never be forgotten.

Love,
The Leal family

Nick Lingvay

July 9, 2010

Fernando, getting to know you over the last few years has been nothing but a pleasure. You have given so much to Nancy and MJ over the last few years, and for that I am so very thankful. As a doctor, you had a special gift for helping others. I felt the effects of this firsthand in that every time I would come over to visit MJ, I felt as if I was welcomed into your house with open arms. Sharing those holiday meals together meant so much to me in that I knew I was a part of your family too. Your kindness could be seen in everything you did, and your character was defined by your smile. You will be greatly missed by all.

Cyndi Wahl

July 8, 2010

I didn't realize how much you had touched my life. Thanks for being my friend. You will be missed.

Mary Jordan Wolfe

July 8, 2010

What a wonderful person you were. You touched so many lives and I was so blessed to be able to share just a couple of years with you. You were the true definition of showing kindness to others, while also loving them in return. I never dreamed that my mother would end up marrying my own pediatrician ( not to say that it's a bad thing ) but it is a sign from God that we were meant to cross paths. I will never forget the memories our family shared. You were the closet thing to a father that I have ever known. Thank you for loving me and my mother. I will remember you through the laughter and love that you showed that made the three of us a family. I decided to copy down my speech that I gave at your wedding because I feel that it describes what you were to others, to me, and mostly my mom. You will never be forgotten. You will always be loved. It's nice to know that I have another guardian angel to surround me with that heavenly love and protection.

" To celebrate this wonderful day. I have written my speech into three parts. All I ask is for everyone to bear with me because what I have to say comes straight from my heart. Right now, I would like to start off by reading a poem to my best friend, my mother. This poem, I found in a picture frame that was given to her a couple of years ago from my grandfather. It is called... A mother's touch is forever.

A Mother's Touch Is Forever:

A mother's touch begins when she first tickles the soles of little feet... and continues until she tempers souls with her love.

A mother's touch is as constant as her love... finding its way through clouds of rain or showers of happiness.

A mother's touch inspires her child to be even better than they are... whether with a pat on the back when things go right, or a hug when things go wrong.

A mother's touch is enabling, giving her child the courage and confidence to reach out and touch someone, too.

A mother's touch helps put the pieces back together, whether the pieces of a broken doll, a broken date, or a broken relationship.

A mother's touch fills hearts with hope and homes with love.

A mother's touch is forever.

MOM,
What an inspiration that you have been to me these past 18 years. Words will never describe how blessed and how thankful I am to have a role model like you, in my life. I know the past year has been hard, but I can't tell you how proud I am of you for finding someone to love like Fernando. Not a day passed where I haven't seen some form of how in love you really are with him. For that reason, I am thankful. My dream for you this last year was for you to be happy. Since you have found him, my dream has been achieved. As I continue to grow and at the end of this summer fly from your nest into the world, I hope you never forget just how much I love and care for you. I hope you will always be reminded of this poem and the love you have continuously shown towards me. There is no greater love than love itself. It is my wish that you continue showing your love.

FERNANDO,
It seems like an eternity ago that I first met you as my pediatrician. My first impression was that you were a very kind and gentle human being. To this day, you have not shown me anything else but those incredible qualities. I am thankful and most of all grateful that God has given my mother someone as kind and caring as yourself. God blesses us with the gift of love. You have shown me this last year what it truly means to love another. By loving and showing devotion towards the most vulnerable part of my heart, my mother, you have put smiles upon her face that I have never seen before. To you I am most grateful. You have also been my inspiration and mentor for accomplishing my goal in life, becoming a doctor. My wish for you as well is to never falter in showing your love, because it is beautiful in each and every way.

TO BOTH FERNANDO AND MY MOM,
What you share with each other is amazing. I am honored to be apart of your wedding and most of all, your lives. I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness. May God bless your marriage. Cherish one another like each day is your last, and always remind each other of your love. You both have been an influence on many, and that is something to be most proud of. To end, I will leave you with this quote to dwell on. However, always remember that I will forever love you both with all of my heart.
" The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever." "

Rest in piece Fernando my friend, and father.

Nancy Rustia

July 7, 2010

How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The goodtimes that made us laugh
Now make me glad.

I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday

I don't know where this road
Is gonna lead to
All I know is what we had
And the love we shared.

When I see you again in some tomorrow
I know it will be worth the wait
But my love, my soul-mate, it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday

And I'll take with me all the joyous memories
To be my sunshine after this rain
It's just so hard to say goodbye to yesterday

Fernando, I want to thank you for being a wonderful loving husband to me and the only real father MJ has ever known. You are the person who completed me. Every minute being with you was a gift of love that I will forever hold close to my heart and cherish. You taught me the gift of love. You showed me what it was like to be truly loved for just who I am. You will always have my heart and all my love. You were my true love. What a beautiful blessing from God you were. Keep watch over me until the day comes for me to join you at your side once more. I'm looking forward to dancing with you in heaven. I love you. I miss you and always will.

June 21, 2010

We are very sad to find out about Dr. Rustia. My son Alfredo would
always remember him. He was very special. His late father was
named just like my son. My son first was seen by him since he was
five and now he almost fourteen. We have lost a great person,
human being and excellent doctor who always treated his patients as his own family, Rest in peace and God be with family.
Cristina and Alfredo Martin

Jorgensen Family

June 21, 2010

WOW!!! We can't believe this.. we just received our letter ... I am in shock... We only saw Dr. Rustia for a year in a half while my husband was deployed.. and I couldn't have asked for a better Dr. for our Twins. He will be dearly missed..

Angela Snow

June 21, 2010

Dr. Rustia was a phenomenal pediatrician. I just read the letter from Aurora today & cried out as my family came running to see what was the matter, I simply stated Dr. Rustia died and than I cried. He has been an integral part of our lives for at least 10 years and our boys are now almost 17 and 15. He was the most compassionate and caring doctor and his vast knowledge was very helpful in taking care of our boys. Aurora has lost a fine physician, but most importantly our prayers are with his wife and the loss she is suffering. Kelly and John (Dr. Rustia's staff) our prayers are with you too. You will be greatly missed Dr. Rustia, and you will be sorely missed by the Snow family.

Stephanie

June 21, 2010

I was very saddened to read the letter I received from Aurora. Dr. Rustia was a great doctor and no one will be able to replace him. He was great with my daughter from our first visit. He was very caring and understanding with her. I went through 3 doctors until i met with Dr. Rustia. He was great. And my daughter loved him. He will be greatly missed by us both.

Tina Haag

June 19, 2010

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Rustia. He was the best Pediatrician I have ever known as both a Nurse and a Mother. I always felt he addressed and acknowledged my son's needs as he would his own child. From the time my son was born prematurely until his most recent 5-year well check with Dr. Rustia, all of our visits with him were pleasant. He really related to the children as people, not just patients. I am sorry to only have just heard of his loss, of all of our loss, when I received a letter in the mail from Aurora just yesterday. I am sorry to have missed the Memorial. My heartfelt condolences go out to his new wife, family, and staff. He will be ever so greatly missed...no Pediatrician will ever replace him.

Angela Gist

June 18, 2010

Dr. Rustia was my daughter's doctor for almost 6 years. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor. Laila and I will miss him dearly!

John Dean

June 18, 2010

I had not heard about this until I received a letter from Aurora, and am sorry to have missed the memorial. He was one of the friendliest, upbeat physicians I ever knew, and always wonderful with my 6 year old. We saw him several times in the recent past for pneumonia that just was not going away, and he always made my son feel at ease. My condolences to his family, for their great loss. He will be missed by my son and I.

Michelle Beegle-Knurowski

June 18, 2010

I was devasted to hear of the passing of Dr. Rustia. He was an intergal part of our family, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us. He shared many memories with us, and he was also a guiding light; giving us support and guidance as parents with our 3 children, 2 of which have ADHD. He gave such outstanding care, allowing us to call him all hours of the day and always teasing us during our visits. There isn't another doctor out there like him. Our sympathy and prayers go out to his family. He will be deeply missed by all.

June 18, 2010

Our family was very saddened when we heard the news. Dr. Rustia was one of a kind and we will miss him dearly. He always took the time to call and check on the children and made sure they were always taken care of. If one was sick and the other one was ill later in the week, all we had to do was call and he would get us a prescription right away. He will be deeply missed, but we will never forget him.
Ronald, Crystal, Autumn and Jordan Fox

Michelle Beegle-Knurowski

June 18, 2010

I was devasted to hear of the passing of Dr. Rustia. In many ways, he was an intergal part of our family. We shared so many memories with him, and he was a guiding light when it came to questions on parenting our 3 children, 2 of which have ADHD. Our sorrow and prayers go out to his family. He will deeply be missed.

kassie pirk

June 18, 2010

i am truely sorry for the lost of dr rustia! I dont think my children could have had a better doctor. We are gratefull for the time he spent making my kids lives better and healthier! RIP dr rustia you are missed dearly

melissa treptow

June 17, 2010

dr rustia was a very good pediatrician to my children my daughter had just seen him a week earlier for her 3 year check up see you just never know what the days will bring

Sue Kelley

June 17, 2010

Along with Dr. Rustia's other patients we loved him as well. He always listened and cared very much. We will miss him greatly.

Aimee Jadrnicek

June 17, 2010

Dr. Rustia was truly an amazing pediatrician to our children. When my daughter had a near death experience as a baby, he was at the hospital as soon as he could be there. He gave incredible care to our children and was available endless times to call us back when we had any concerns with their health issues. I truly believe it will be difficult to find another doctor like him. Our family is so saddened by this loss. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Beth Larsen-Edwards

June 16, 2010

I am just devastated at the loss of a dear friend and my children's doctor. All 3 of my kids are full of sadness as well. My 2 oldest children may have lost their lives if not for Dr. Rustia and his persistance to find a cure for them. I hope that his family can find comfort in knowing how many lives that Fernando has touched. He will be ever so greatly missed..... sadness will be in our hearts for days to come......

Clairissa

June 15, 2010

Dr. Rustia was the best doctor i have ever had and will ever have. He is the type of doctor that every doctor should strive to be like.

Michelle Martin

June 14, 2010

I was shocked to hear from my daughter that the good Doctor had passed away...
My children were Dr. Rustia's patients. Corey is now 22 and Clairissa is 19...and she was heartbroken to hear the news!! We shared some fond memories about him. Our heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family...as he made you feel like family when you were in his care!

Adrienne Yarbrough

June 13, 2010

Dr. Rustia, I've enjoyed the years that I worked for you and my children always looked forward to seeing you in the office. You had class, personality and a great spirit about you. Your family and friends miss you dearly, however you'll never be forgotten. Fernando, we miss you!

Theresa Leal

June 13, 2010

Dr Rustia was a special person. He was not only a great doctor, but a caring person and friend. We will miss him deeply. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Nancy and MJ. God bless you both. Love, The Leal family

Marissa Candido

June 12, 2010

Dr.Rustia took care of me was like the dad i never had he was always there for me no matter what happened or what he was doing he was all ways there for me

Romila Dizon

June 12, 2010

Dr. Rustia was a wonderful doctor and family friend. He was the doctor of all 4 of my children. However, he was a family friend before a doctor. I grew up knowing him. He will be truely missed and always remembered. We miss you Fernando! ~Romila Dizon

Rommel Liamco

June 12, 2010

I will always remember Jackie as an energetic man with a seemingly unlimited zest for life and a perennial smile on his face

Tia Starks

June 12, 2010

Dr Rustia had been my kids pediatrician since 1998. He was an awesome doctor with a heart of gold. How many doctors know their patients by name before even looking at the chart? I am just lost for words....and I dont even want to think about finding a different pediatrician for my boys. To his wife and family, may God bless and keep you through this trying time in your lives. The Starks Family

Allicia

June 11, 2010

Dr. Rustia was an amazing person with the biggest heart when my twin daughter were in the hospital he came out of his way to stop by and check on them you dont see that in doctors. May God bless you Dr. Fernando Rustia and your family

Brenda Vaughn

June 11, 2010

Dr. Rustia was hands down the best doctor in the world. I have never witnessed such a compassionate, kind,thoughtful person. I believe that he had saved my daughters life at one time when she was severely dehydrated from illness. He truly cared and treated her on his OFF time..how many doctors do that these days. He is completely irreplacable. He will be missed greatly and I am distraught in knowing that I will not only have to find a new doctor for my daughter, but for my new baby that is arriving in a few weeks. I would have loved for Dr. Rustia to be a part of his/her life. My condolences to his family and friends and he will always be in my prayers.

Lisa McIntosh

June 11, 2010

Dr Rustia was one of a kind,they dont make doctors like him anymore!!!!!!! He became our pediatrician when he first came to town in 1996 and my children loved him,my oldest is now 17 the youngest is 5 and they both adored this man as did I. He is irreplaceable and I dont know how I will ever find a comparable match.He knew my children by name even in public and never ever declined to see my child no matter what time it was in his day.This is truley a tragedy but may you find comfort in knowing he was such an amazing person and physician.

Kathleen Stindle

June 11, 2010

I am sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful person. Dr. Rustia was the doctor for all 5 of my children. Very patient, kind and understanding man. To his wife- may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. You and your family are in my prayers.

Dionne McKinnie

June 11, 2010

Dr. Rustia took care of my son and had the love for dance just like my son. He was understanding pediatrician and will be missed. My son will miss the dance talk with Dr. Rustia.

Michael Yaguchi

June 11, 2010

What more can be added that hasn't already been expressed? My condolences to his wife, daughter, brothers and sister.

Sheila Stoff

June 11, 2010

Dr. Rustia was truely a wonderful, talented, and Educated Man. W/a heart of gold for children. He took care of mine well. I remember my son got sick and his insurance ran out; he still took him in and treated him, with out any hesitaion! If I was sick some-times he would treat me too! He was a good man, In and Out of work as well... Fernando, when we moved away, we said good-bye; not realizin it would be our last... Youv'e touched so many lives in so many different ways; It will be hard to imagine life w/out U; as a doctor and as a friend! We'll always have a special place in our heart for you. My deepest condolences goes out to the Family, friends, staff, and Patients! Rest in Peace.. w/ our luv-
Sheila Stoff & Family (Elijah's mom)

Heidi Valerio

June 10, 2010

Dr. Rustia was the greatest pediatrician a child was able to have. He had been my daughter's doctor since our move back to WI. His positive happy nature will dearly be missed. I still can hear him saying my daughter's full name with a twirling tongue, everytime making us laugh. He will dearly be missed by many!! (Governatori-Valerio Family, Racine, WI)

June 10, 2010

Dr. Rustia took care of all three of my children. He was the most understanding, caring, and loving pediatrician that I have ever dealt with. My children loved him and were very comfortable with him. I feel blessed to have had him take part in the well-being of my children. Heaven has just received a true angel. God Bless his family, friends, and all who have blessed enough to have Dr. Rustia touch their lives. He will truly be missed.

Sue & Jim Huhn

June 10, 2010

Our condolences! Fernando always looked like he was have a great time at dance events. So sad he left us at such a young age.

Lonergan Family

June 10, 2010

Dr. Rustia was an excelent Dr. when my first son was born 7 years ago he seen a family Dr. and I was not pleased at all so I changed him to Dr. Rustia, he has had all three of my children since then from birth. My oldest son who is 7 would not even go to the walk in if he was sick he wanted to wait till he could see Dr. Rustia. He knew every one of my children by name in public and would always take care of them like he would his own.I thank him for every thing he did for our family. He will be greatly missed. God Bless you and your family.

Lorrie Haiar

June 10, 2010

Dr. Rustia was a wonderful doctor to our two little girls ... he was kind, caring, intelligent and always there for you. We are so saddened and he will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
~ The Haiar Family

Wasik Family

June 10, 2010

Dr. Rustia is a shining example of who a doctor should be. He always took the time to make sure our questions were answered and that we felt comfortable every time we left his office. We were blessed to have him as our doctor for 5 1/2 years. He helped us through a very difficult time without hesitation....Thank you Dr. Rustia for everything you did for us. You will be greatly missed by me and my two children. God bless you and your family.

Dineshi Burchi

June 10, 2010

Dr. Rustia has been my son Riley's doctor since he was born almost 6 years ago. Riley enjoyed his vists with "Dr. Rusta" and I don't have the heart to tell him he's gone. My prayers go out to his family. He was a wonderful doctor and we will truely miss him.

Carolyn Cameron

June 10, 2010

Dr Rustia was a beautiful person.We came to the clinic 13 yrs ago and we loved him.He had such a bond with the children like no other.I will never forget how he would come in the room singing my nephews name.He will be truely missed.Peace be with you and your family. The Cameron Family

K A

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia is the best Dr. I have ever dealt with. He was my son's doctors for many years till we moved away, even after we moved I still called him with questions and he always took my calls and gave us the advice we needed. I am truly saddened that we have lost such a great doctor. When my son was 6 mo. old and they were trying to draw blood and couldn't get it he told them all to step aside and he did it himself. When he was done and my son was crying terribly he didn't just hand my child off to me to comfort, he comforted my son for a good 20 minutes himself. That's when I knew he was the best doctor ever!! Thank you Dr. Rustia for all you did for all your patients. You will be truly missed.

Brooke Kraft

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia was such an important person in my family's life. He was there for my children whenever we needed him without hesitation. He was a kind, gentle, caring man that will be greatly missed by my family and so many others. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and wife. Words cannot express how saddened I am by his passing. May he rest in peace.

June 9, 2010

Fernando was my friend, although many years have passed - I am very sad to hear the news of his passing - I know he had incredible passion for his vocation -- he always wanted to be a doctor and especially a pediatrician - and he was always a friend who cared; we will miss him dearly-- knowing that he is not here on this earthly plane-- but that if indeed there is a heaven or place of peace - he is there. HIs time is done here and we will remember and think of him as he was -- always happy ...

Pamela & Dave -- Seattle, WA

Albright Family

June 9, 2010

Our family will truly miss Dr. Rustia. He was always there for our boys and our family. He was truly a one in a million, we will have a hard time finding another doctor that touched our lives like he did. He has been our pediatrician since he started with Aurora 14 years ago and we all feel like we've lost a friend. Our hearts go out to his wife and family and hope you all will find some comfort in knowing what a difference he made in people's lives. Our prayers are with you!

L Johnson

June 9, 2010

Our family is saddened by the loss of Dr. Rustia, he will be very much missed by our girls. "Dr. 'Stia" will always bring fond memories and smiles around our house, and we are all grateful that he took care of our family, even if it wasn't for as long as we had wanted. Peace to your family, and thank you Dr. 'Stia.

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia will be deeply missed by our family. He was one who truely cared for everyones children. My 2 children loved him, thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this very difficult time. He will be greatly missed!

Angel Gardiner

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia was a not only my 3 childrens doctor he was truly a friend to all of us. He has cared for my 12 yr old, 8 yr old, and 10 month old for the past 10 yrs. He was always there when you needed him with a smile upon his face. He will be truly missed. My entire family is heartbroken. I don't know if he truly knew how much of a impact he made on all of us. He will always be remembered and missed. Prayers to out to his family. He truly was one of a kind. May he be at peace.
The Gardiner family

Ryan La Vassor

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia was not only a great dr. but a wonderful human being, my family went through many pediatricians before we were lucky enough to find him. He always made the girls feel comfortable and made going to the doctor a positive experience, I couldn't have asked for a better doctor. Fernando you will be missed dearly by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time of mourning.
Ryan La Vassor and Meredith Nutt

Julie Appollonio

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia was my son's doctor while we lived in Racine. He always answered my questions, & my son was grateful that he was his doctor. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family. J. Appollonio, Virginia Beach, VA

Marcy Charles

June 9, 2010

I just cannot believe he is gone. My son has been a patient of Dr. Rustia's since he has been @ Aurora. He was just alittle boy, who will now be 16 this month. I remember seeing him the 4th of July parade waving and knowing exactly who we were-(by name) regardless of all his other patients. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, daughter and family. Be there for eachother to try and get through this difficult time. He will be missed greatly.
Marcy Charles and Tyler Blakemore

Heather Ferg

June 9, 2010

Dr Rustia was the best doctor I could of asked for to take care of my 3 girls. He was always there for questions and would get them in right away when they were ill. He also was a wonderful co-worker and friend. Days at work will definatly not be the same without you. I still wait for you to walk thru the doors and practice your dance moves :) You will never be forgotten!!! My heart goes out to Nancy and the rest of the family. RIP Rufe .... we will miss you always.

Tim Beaudet

June 9, 2010

Dr Rustia .. What Can I say but a great man he was there for our two boys no mater what!!!, He was there for our first born fighting with the ER doctor to make sure he would get the best care . I witnessed him getting into an argument with other doctor to insure that his patient got the best care possible. He would also stay late and squeeze my little boy in whenever we needed him.. he was always there. you will be missed and none other can replace the love you have for children thank you for being not only a good doctor but being a friend to our family. we will miss you The Beaudet Family

Cindy Allen

June 9, 2010

As I picked my daughter up from school today, she told me that her friend told her that her pediatrician had passed away and his name was Dr. Rustia. "That's my doctor, mom", she said with a sad, confused look on her face. I told her she must of misheard what her friend said. I drove home holding my heart. I quickly jumped onto the computer to see if this was indeed true. As I try to type these words through my tears I am still in shock. He was the best. My daughter is almost 12 and he has been there from the start. The community and his patients have lost a loving and caring man. It doesn't seem fair.

Nikki Putnam

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia, RUFE, Fernando, my good friend! I have had the pleasure in knowing this man for 10yrs. We worked together for about 6yrs and he was the pediatrician for my two daughters. I can't even put into words all that I want to say. I can say this...he has made such an impact on my life. From days of just laughing the day away while waiting for patients to arrive for their appointments to having the honor of standing up in his beautiful wedding. Fernando Rustia was more than just a doctor. He was an amazing friend and he will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family… Love you!

Kelly Hart

June 9, 2010

I was fortunate to have met him my son was his patient for the last 5 years. He will be missed. He always had a way of making me and my son feel so much better about this things that were going on.

Amanda Hart

June 9, 2010

I am in complete total shock that this tragedy has happened to such a young person. I actually had Dr. Rustia as a child when he first came to racine to practice and when my daughter was born in august 2009 he became her doctor. He was a great doctor and had a great personality. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Amanda Lipke

June 9, 2010

My entire family is still in shock from this news. Dr Rustia has cared for my three children for the past 12 years. He was a true treasure to us all. You know he is a great Dr/person when you tell your 8 yr old that he passed and she is brought to tears, she truly thought of him as one of our family. May your family find peace by know how great of a person you were, you will forever live on in our hearts!

Beth Ziegenhagen

June 9, 2010

I had the honor of working with Fernando. He kept work fun and treated his staff with lots of respect! I know he will be greatly missed!

donna howell

June 9, 2010

dr rustia was a good doctor he took very good care of my soon ryan since he was a infant he will be missed

Rachael Carlson

June 9, 2010

I had the pleasure of getting to know Dr Rustia through Nancy, who i worked with me at Walgreens, his regular visits with roses and food for her showed us how much he truly loved her and made us all extremely jealous. He was a truly wonderful man in a professional and personal atmosphere and many lives were touched and changed by him.He will be greatly missed!!!! Nancy I love you and am always here for you!!!!!

Purnima Nanayakkara

June 9, 2010

Dr Rustia was a wonderful doctor to our two young children.
He was our pediatrician since our daughter's birth in 2006.
Very kind and courtious and always available on the phone for concerns.
He will be missed. May he attain peace.

Leslie Thilleman

June 9, 2010

My daughter Taryn was a patient of Dr. Rustia's since he opened his practice in Racine and she is now 16 years old. He was not only a wonderful doctor, but he was such a kind, gentle person as well. He had a huge impact on my daughter and the direction she is taking in her life. We recently went through some struggles and I don't think Dr. Rustia knew exactly how much he helped us during that time. My daughter plans on attending UW-Madison in 2012 to become a Pharmacist. He always spoke so lovingly about his wife and he was extremely helpful given the profession she is in. We will miss him tremendously! May all of Dr. Rustia's family and friends and co-workers find strength in each other at this difficult time.

Leslie Thilleman
(Racine)

TONI MONTOYA

June 9, 2010

I am fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Rustia on several occasions, and I enjoyed every time. He had a great personality and sense of humor. I will remember him always. My prayers go out to all his family.
Toni Montoya - Orthopedics

Marta Francher

June 9, 2010

I am still in total shock of the loss of Dr. Rustia. He was a family friend as well as the doctor for both of my girls, words cannot express how wonderful he was and I don't know how he can be replaced. My heart goes out to the family for this unexpected tragedy. He will be greatly missed!!!

Tonya King

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia will be greatly missed. He has been my son's doctor for 10 years. Whenever Dr. Rustia would see us in public, he would know us by name. May your memories bring you comfort.

Brenda Heieren

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia was the doctor to both my children. When my son died at less than a month old, Dr. Rustia talked to me for almost an hour, answering questions and just listening. My daughter is almost 22 months. She adored Dr. Rustia, as did my husband and I. He will be missed by so many.

Sharon Hellesen

June 9, 2010

I am deeply sadden to learn that we have lost this wonderful Doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Peggy Sheldon

June 9, 2010

Words can not express how missed Dr. Rustia will be. He has taken care of our children for the past 10 years, he put us as parents at ease and treated the children like the true treasures they are. Our condolenscenses go out to his wife, daughter and family. You are in our prayers.

Ingram- Brown Family

June 9, 2010

We are in total shock and disbelief. All three of my children were patients of Dr. Rustia's. He made every visit fun. He will be missed.

pam @melissa,cigarette outlet employees

June 9, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jenny Ripley

June 9, 2010

Dr. Rustia will be greatly missed. He took care of my son as a toddler, who is now 18-years-old. I also worked for Aurora for many years and had the opportunity to know and work with Dr. Rustia, who always had a smile on his face. He was a great doctor and wonderful person. My sincere condolences to Dr. Rustia's wife and family. Jenny Ripley (Racine, WI)

Virginia Harrington

June 9, 2010

Your family is in my prayers during this time of sadness. Dr Rustia was a wonderful doctor and will be deeply missed by the Harrington family.

Joanne Yost

June 9, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Todd Andreasen

June 9, 2010

Dr, Rustia will be greatly missed by my family and I. He was a kind and patient man who always made my kids feel like they were the most important thing to him. He always had time to sit and talk to us and was always willing to fit us in to his schedule. Our hearts go out to his wife and family. He will be missed and was loved by his patients.
Todd and Niciole Andreasen and family

Casey Fults(Mainland)

June 9, 2010

I was a former patient of Dr. Rustia. When I had my daughter, she became a patient of his. I have known his since I was 8 years and now at the age of 28, I still remember taking care of his little maltese, Alta. He will be greatly missed.

Felicia Bolton

June 9, 2010

I can't believe he is gone, seems like just yesterday my son was in for his monthly(sometimes weekly) visit for his breathing problems. I searched far and wide for a doctor like him, and he was truely the best, and wasnt concerned about his paycheck versus the welfare of my child. He was a great doctor, and a great person. Yele and I will truely miss seeing him every week.

Showing 1 - 81 of 81 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

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4600 County Line Rd., Mount Pleasant, WI 53403

How to support Fernando's loved ones
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The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

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They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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