Wilma Rust Obituary
Wilma is survived by two sons, Brian Rust of Cissna Park and David Rust Cissna Park; two daughters, Laurie (Steve) Taylor of Champaign and Karen (Larry) Walder of Cissna Park; four grandchildren, Jessica Rust, Jamie (Mike) Weaver, Dylan (Holly) Adair, and Samuel Walder; two great-grandchildren, Sofia and Dominic Lopez; in-laws, Wayne Rust, Dorothy Karr, Rose Rust; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, Wilma was preceded in death by both of her parents; three brothers, Fred Cluver, Wilbur Cluver, and Elmer Cluver; two sisters, Mary D. Cluver and Esther Cluver; and two granddaughters, Kristin Adair and Michelle Rust.
Wilma was a graduate of Cissna Park High School in 1947. She attended MacMurray College for two years and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1951. Wilma earned her Master's Degree in 1983. Mrs. Rust taught school for many years, mostly in Cissna Park, and retired in 1994.
In 1971, Wilma and Harold became the owners of Rust Chevrolet, continuing the transportation business that her father started as a blacksmith in the 1880's. The family business continues as Rust Auto Center.
Wilma had a great love for her family, her students, the community, music, nature, and traveling. Her greatest love was for her Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved reading and studying the Bible, especially Genesis, and was blessed to have traveled twice to the Holy Land. Wilma was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park with Rev. Michael Ruhlig officiating. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Cissna Park.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, or donor's choice.
Please share a memory of Wilma at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
George and Doris Muench
January 23, 2026
You are all in our prayers. You have our deepest sympathy. She is now in her eternal home. George and Doris Muench
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Susan Leigh Bradley
January 20, 2026
My thoughts and prayers are with the Rust family in the passing of Wilma. May you find comfort and peace knowing that your beloved is in her eternal home with Jesus and may you cling to the legacy of her care and love for you all. Susan and Wain Bradley
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