Stephen Carl Rust

Stephen Carl Rust, of Findlay, Ohio, left this earthly life peacefully, unexpectedly and suddenly on Valentines Day, February 14, 2026. He was born in Bryan, Ohio on July 25, 1952, living a life devoted to God, caring for his family and enjoying life to the fullest each day.

Stephen, or "Rusty" as he liked to be called in recent years, was born to the late Rev. Harold C. and Anna Heller Rust. The son of a pastor, he lived in Bryan, Ohio, Baltimore, MD, Wheeling, WV and then Oak Harbor, OH during his youth. He was a state cross country and track qualifier in high school. After graduating from Triadelphia High School (Wheeling), he attended Capital University (Columbus, OH), participating on the cross country, tennis and bowling teams. He met the love of his life Joy Harrison Rust, at Capital University where Stephen sang in the Men's Glee Club, and Joy was the accompanist! They celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 21, 2025.

He attended Trinity Seminary (Columbus, OH) and was ordained at St. John's Lutheran Church on June 18, 1978. He completed doctoral studies (ABD) at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Stephen served as a parish pastor at Nativity Lutheran Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (1978-1986); Redeemer Lutheran Church, Woodstock IL (1986-2000); Macedonia Lutheran Church, Burlington, NC (2000-2016). He had recently joined First Lutheran Church in Findlay. He was especially gifted in youth ministry, evangelism and stewardship. He was a champion for children! He was a true parish pastor who dedicated his life to the church: he was a prayerful servant and there are many stories of where his prayers protected and lifted so many. He was devoted to helping the underserved and under-resourced. He was known to give $100 bills to people holding signs asking for financial help. He loved giving service people unexpected, large tips in his later years.

Stephen delighted in the stories and successes of his three children and their families: Dr. Jennifer Ann Abbås (Douglas) of Kungälv, Sweden; John Carl Rust (Mivvi) of Birmingham, AL; and Joel William Rust of Durham, NC. Six grandchildren call him PaPa: Laney, Carly, Billy and Johnny Rust; Henry and Estella Abbås.

Stephen was the oldest of 4 children, and is survived by his wife, Joy, as well as siblings Rev. Dr. Theodore Rust (Beverly); Andrew Rust (Jill); and Elizabeth Rust Windisch (Ray). He was loved by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who never knew what Uncle Steve might say or do to entertain them.

In June 2025, Stephen and Joy relocated to Findlay, Ohio to be near family as his health struggles increased. In the past year he had many joyful experiences and saw numerous relatives and friends. He lived life "big" until his last several weeks. In the past year he spent many hours with his "brother by another mother," Dewayne Lipscomb of Burlington, NC who provided loving care to Stephen both in NC and Ohio.

Stephen was an avid sportsman, bowling a high score of 299 while living in Woodstock, IL. A very passionate golfer, he got into the Masters Golf Tournament by holding a sign that said, "Praying for a ticket to the Masters." He loved anything Pittsburgh: the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. He delighted in seeing the Steelers win the Super Bowl in Detroit in 2006. He loved horses, and was blessed in seeing the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont in person.

Stephen always believed anything could be accomplished. His father instilled the legacy of hard work in him, which he passed on to his children. He started a successful lawn business in 5th grade and added a paper route in 7th grade. He always had money in his pocket. He loved to sing, and from and early age his beautiful voice was always a welcomed addition to any choir – even if the choir was under Joy's leadership!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at 11:00am at First Lutheran Church, 109 East Lincoln Street, Findlay, OH 45840. A luncheon and time of sharing will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stephen's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association for research, or to the First Lutheran Church elevator fund. Steve never said "goodbye", it was always "see ya later." Well done, Stephen, good and faithful servant. In his words, "This isn't goodbye, it's see ya later."

Online condolences and memories may be shared with his family at barndtfuneralhome.org.