Clinton "Rusty" Lilyquist

Born very quickly, a month after his original due date, Clinton "Rusty, Big Swede, Swede" Lilyquist II arrived on the scene Sept. 30, 1969, just in time for hunting season and just after a category 5 tornado in Outing, Minn.

His entire life was lived close to the shores of Inguadona Lake on property his grandparents homesteaded in the early 1900s. He enjoyed fishing and hunting most every day of his life. The fall of the year was a most active time as he traveled to hunt in Wisconsin, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri, sometimes to the Dakotas, Colorado or Wyoming. He also had hunting adventures in Mississippi, Florida and Alaska.

While guiding muskies he designed and patented the Lillytail lure. His muskie guiding led to many guest appearances on Waters and Woods with John Gillespie, Pete Maina (ESOX) and too many other wonderful folks to mention.

Rusty was always helping with the Cass County Republicans. He was an eager volunteer and served as the deputy chair of the party for almost a decade. This group even won an award for top fundraising and performance out of 120 similar groups. He was first vice-chairperson of the Congressional District 8 Executive Committee.

He often worked as sergeant at arms in parades, and loved putting up signs, too.

At the time of his death, he was a Cass County commissioner. He was elected to represent District 3 for three terms. Cass County is in need of significant infrastructure, including a new jail. Rusty was working to spearhead these efforts.

He was an almost lifelong member of the Longville community, attending Northland Public Schools. Highlights include his joy at becoming the mayor of Simutown in sixth grade, playing sports – especially football, and winning the Golden Hammer Award with his buddy, Jeff Johnson.

Rusty attended and played football at Vermillion Community College in Ely He earned an associate's degree and continued at Bemidji State University for an additional year.

Rusty owned and operated Rusty's Up North Realty in Backus and Longville. He cherished the opportunity to help people meet their dreams of owning property in the area.

Rusty is survived by his mother Marilyn (Welk) Lilyquist; sister Candace Lilyquist; children Cody (Samantha) Lucas, Trevor (Ashley) Lucas and Tia (Ryan) VanderHeyden; grandchildren Olivia, Abbie, Jared, Caitlynn and Lucas; aunts and uncles James Workman, Judy Ginder, Richard and Fay Welk, Judy Gravelle, Sonia Welk, LaDonna Lilyquist, Gary Bethke; and numerous cousins and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Clinton "Buzz" Lilyquist; aunts and uncles Alvina and Ray Fanth, Muriel and John Wheeler, Lorraine and Kenneth Secora, Marvin and Marie Lilyquist, Gordan and June Lilyquist, Janet and Don Brown, Gloria and Jack Graham, Gene Lilyquist, Reva Bethke, Gwen Workman, John Welk, Charlotte and Marvin Wesson, Donald and Mary Welk and Ronald Wel; and numerous cousins and friends.

Rusty was a confirmed member of Salem Lutheran Church ELCA in Longville, where his services will be held Feb. 14 at 11 a.m., with a one-hour visitation prior. Lunch twill follow at Patrick's. He was also a wintertime visitor at Shepherd of the Bay in Lillian, Ala.

Please direct memorials to Marilyn Lilyquist. Rusty's family will designate money to charities and organizations dear to Rusty's heart.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

Rusty's care has been entrusted to the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.