Harold G. Rust (May 5, 1938 – Oct 18, 2024)

Harold was born in 1938 in Stephenson County Illinois to George and Esther Rust, and spent his early years on the farm along with his brothers, John and Bob. He earned the nickname 'Happy' – a moniker that continued to be used throughout his life by those who knew him from way back when. Harold also picked up his father's affinity for woodworking, making it his lifelong hobby as well.

Harold's high school classmates predicted that he would become a language teacher, and that path would likely have suited him. But after college, he attended Western Theological Seminary, where he met Harriet DeVos who was attending nearby Hope College. Upon his graduation, they got married and Harold began his work pastoring congregations in the Reformed Church of America. His calls took them to western New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Chicago suburbs. It was at his last church in Berwyn where he picked up one of his more cherished titles: Da Rev.

It was also in Chicagoland where he became a devoted fan of the Cubbies, proudly sporting his Cubs hat and t-shirts, surprising people who figured a pastor would surely always wear clerical garb.

As a minister, he felt privileged to share in the joys and sorrows of life. Baptisms, weddings, visiting the sick or homebound, and funerals punctuated the rhythms of his work. There was nothing he loved more than learning people's stories.

Even while waiting in line for a ride at Great America he would strike up a conversation with a stranger, and before you knew it, they figured out some connection or common interest.

After retiring from the church, Rev. Rust embarked on a new phase of his work: chaplaincy. His positions at nursing homes and retirement communities in Illinois and Pennsylvania afforded him not only the chance to minister to the residents in his care, but also to enjoy the more collegial nature of this work. He also valued the opportunities to use his creativity and love for music in developing programs and activities that would engage the residents. He had a special care for those suffering from dementia.

Throughout his life, he led by example, defending the persecuted and supporting the disadvantaged. A more recent volunteer effort was with a reading tutoring program where he delighted in sharing his love of reading, and in seeing the progress of his protégés. It seems his high school classmates were on the right track with their prediction.

After decades of moving for work purposes, Harold and Harriet made several moves to be closer to loved ones, particularly to their grandchildren. Harold's last move was back to Stephenson County, near where a number of his family still reside.

Harold leaves behind many who will miss that 'Happy' smile, including his: wife Harriet; children Mary (Steve) and Dave (Cathe); grandchildren Kaylee, Julia, and Nicholas; great-grandchildren Jamison and Liana; brothers John (Betty – deceased) and Bob (Edith).

A family and church led service will occur in the near future, so please check back for updates regarding the service.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.