Service Information
Shelley S. Rusch, age 76, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Olivia Hospital & Clinic in Olivia, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 29, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 A.M., two hours prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Shelley Sue Rusch was born on September 19, 1949, in Bakersfield, California. She was the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Betty (White) Whaylen. Shelley was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She received her education in Granite Falls, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Granite Falls High School class of 1967. Shelley furthered her education at the Vo-Tech College in Granite Falls.
On May 2, 1970, Shelley was united in marriage to Darrel Rusch at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two sons, John and Jason. Shelley and Darrel made their home in Hutchinson. They shared 55 years of marriage.
Shelley spent most of her working career at grocery stores including More4, Econo Foods, and Cub Foods which later turned to Cash Wise Foods. She retired in 2013. Shelley was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson serving on the Altar Guild Committee, Finance Committee and the secretary for church council meetings.
Shelley enjoyed listening to 50’s and 60’s music, going on long walks, attending the Minnesota State Fair, and kittens. She especially cherished time spent with her precious and only grandson, family and friends.
Shelley passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Olivia Hospital & Clinic in Olivia, Minnesota, at the age of 76 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Shelley is survived by her:
Husband, Darrel Rusch of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, John Rusch of Hutchinson, MN,
Jason Rusch and his wife, Jackie of West St. Paul, MN;
Grandson, Ben Rusch;
Siblings, Michael Whaylen of Eden Prairie, MN,
Robyn Booher of Leavenworth, KS,
Dixie Whaylen of Willmar, MN,
Tim (Michele) Whaylen of Iowa City, IA,
Lance (Kim) Whaylen of Hutchinson, MN;
Brothers-in-law, Larry (Gwen) Rusch of Las Vegas, MN,
Ron (Teryl) Rusch of Hutchinson, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Marlene (Roger) Hettver of Hutchinson, MN,
Patti Whaylen of Monticello, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Shelley is preceded in death by her Parents, Robert Whaylen and Betty Pederson; Sister, Lizabeth Whaylen; Brother, Daniel “Dusty” Whaylen; Parents-in-law, Harold and Ruth Rusch.
Cindy Karg says
With sincere sympathy to all of Shelley’s Family. She was always kind and took the time to say hello. I remember when she worked at the grocery store, very hard worker!
Marilyn Alsleben says
Darrel and family I’m so sadded by Shelly’s passing. She was a very dear friend to me. So sorry.
Walt and Sharon Radant says
Daryl and family, you have our Deepest Sympathy.
Sharon Filand says
I am so sorry for your family’s loss you all are in my prayers
Fern Hoff says
Darrel and Family, I was shocked to read this. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Shelley was always kind and friendly to me and especially to my Mom. We loved to see her at the grocery store. May God comfort you.
Brenda & Dave Hornick says
So sorry for your loss. Sympathy to the family.
Billie Jean says
Sending my deepest sympathy to Shelleys family for their loss. I met Shelley when we worked together at the Country Club many years ago.
Steven Martens says
Darrel and family, I felt a loss when I heard the news. Shelly always had a cheerful smile and comment when our paths crossed.
Jean Schultz says
Darrel so sorry to hear about Shelly. May God Bless you and your family and give you comfort
Larry and Renae DeGrote says
We were so sorry to hear this, it was great working with her and knowing her! Thoughts and prayers to the family
Barb says
Darrel,
My sincerest sympathies to you and your family.
I saw this too late, after her funeral.
May many great memories be with you. She is now safe in the arms of Jesus.
Sympathies from the entire Field and Goebel family’s.
Janice Heintz says
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Will miss seeing her friendly face in the neighborhood.