Vernon Wayne Rusk

SUPERIOR ~ Vernon “Vern” Wayne Rusk, 79, of Superior, Montana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, of natural causes.

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on May 18, 1946, Vern’s family soon settled in Missoula, Montana, where he grew up alongside his brother Randy and sister Julie. From an early age, Vern developed a deep love for the outdoors. He spent countless days in the woods with his father, a forester, where he learned to survey land, cruise timber, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for nature. He had a special fascination with the small wonders of the forest—spiders, birds, and woodland creatures—and he cherished time spent hunting and fishing with his dad, brother, and close friends.

Vern inherited a love of music from his mother and especially enjoyed Handel’s Messiah and classical music. Equally gifted in craftsmanship, he showed an incredible talent for woodworking from a young age, creating everything from toys to furniture and cabinets. In eighth grade, he and his father restored a 1929 Model A Ford from top to bottom, an experience that sparked a passion for classic cars and creativity that carried throughout his life.

After graduating with honors from Sentinel High School in 1964, Vern pursued his faith and studies at Los Angeles Bible College, earning a B.A. in History, and later a Master’s in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. His calling led him into pastoral ministry, where he faithfully served for many years.

In 1967, Vern married Ann Wiley, and together they raised four children during more than twenty years of marriage. In 1983, the family relocated to Edgewood, New Mexico, where Vern built both a church and a home with his own hands. A few years later, they moved into Albuquerque, where they lived until 1992. After Vern and Ann divorced, he returned to Montana to continue his craft and begin a new chapter in life.

In December of 1994, Vern married Bonita “Bonnie” Loge Rusk. Together they shared 30 years of marriage filled with, hospitality, and creativity. Whether living in Washington, Idaho, or Montana, their homes were always places of warmth, friendship, and beauty—each reflecting Vern’s craftsmanship.

A man of many talents, Vern never stopped learning. He was a teacher, storyteller, and adventurer who inspired his family to hike the mountains, fish lakes from his handcrafted rowboats, and pursue their own creative ideas. He was quick with a joke, rich with stories, and well-known in the family for his unbeatable quesadillas.

Vern is preceded in death by his brothers Randy and David, and grandchildren Miranda and Marcus and first wife Ann Wiley. He is survived by his wife Bonnie; his children Wayne (Carrie) Rusk, Karen (Mario) Chavez, Polly Ann Rusk, and Kate Rusk; grandchildren Olivia, Nathan, Sean, Cassidy, Grace, Jesse, Jenni, and Jakob; great-grandchild Journey; sister Julie (John) Cahoon; sisters-in-law Linda Sauke, Lois (Daryl) Wooldridge, and Dori (Rod) McInnis; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Discovery Alliance Church, 2630 Connery Way, Missoula, Montana.