Clarence "Dick" Richard Rusk

Clarence Richard “Dick” Rusk, 79, of Geneseo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Hillcrest Home. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Vandemore Funeral Home, Geneseo with Rev. Christopher Ritter officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aisle of Flags or Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. 

Born on February 13, 1946, in Geneseo, Dick was the youngest of five children born to Clarence Golden and Dorothy Mildred “Mid” (Gramling) Rusk. He attended Geneseo High School and worked at various employers before joining the U.S. Army. Dick completed basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam era. After returning home, he began a long career at John Deere Harvester Works, where he remained until his retirement. 

Dick was married three times. His first marriage resulted in two sons, Mike and David. His second marriage blessed him with a daughter, Lisa, and a son, Jason. On November 17, 1984, Dick married Diane “Dee” Whitaker, and together they lovingly blended their families, bringing together Dick’s four children with Diane’s three children—Ray, Brad, and Krissy Cotty. Over the next forty years, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, caring for their dogs: Sam, Casey & Lilly and cats Sunny & Tubbs, and exploring the country in their camper. Favorite adventures included trips to Montana, a camping trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, family reunions in Kirksville, MO, and winters spent in Texas. 

Known for his quick wit and playful sense of humor, Dick loved giving people a hard time and could dish it out just as easily as he could take it. A little ornery by nature, he often had a mischievous sparkle in his eye when teasing others—always in good fun and with a grin that made it impossible not to laugh along. He enjoyed a good banana split, a lively game of Texas Hold’em, and had a lifelong passion for fast cars and burnouts. Some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by family and friends—playing cards, shooting pool, sharing laughs over a game of “Pics,” or coming together for family gatherings filled with stories and good-natured ribbing. He also loved the thrill of drag racing and took immense pride in being part of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, cheering them on at their events and celebrating their milestones. Dick’s generous heart, sharp humor, and love of fun brought joy to everyone around him. His warmth and unwavering love for family will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. 

Dick is survived by his children: Mike and Pat Rusk of Geneseo; Dave and Rhonda Rusk of Cambridge; Lisa Rusk of Geneseo; Jason and Andrea Rusk of Geneseo; Ray and Stacey Cotty of Geneseo; Brad and Jamie Cotty of Geneseo; and Krissy and Nick Hessler of Ovando, Montana. His grandchildren include Seth and Jessica Rusk; Spencer and Macy Rusk; Sydney Rusk; Kyle, Ryan, and Ryley Rusk; Kyler Rusk; Nathan, Lexi, and Zach Johnson; Madison Wancket; Ava Rusk; Andrew, Dylan, Erika, and Eli Cotty; Chris and Lynn Cotty; and Sawyer, Matilda, Silas, Mabel, and Gwendolyn Hessler. 

Additionally, he is survived by great-grandchildren Kayden, Kash, Khloe, Braxton, Bennett, and Theodore. He is also survived by his siblings: Judy Borkgren of Geneseo and Bill Rusk of East Moline, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; sister, Marilyn, and her husband, Larry Martin; brother, Jim Rusk, and his wife, Trish; sister-in-law, Madeline Rusk; brother-in-law, Dick “Whitey” Borkgren; and nephews, Keith Martin and Brian Rusk. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at Hillcrest Home for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Dick in his final days. True to form, he kept the nurses on their toes with his teasing and quick comebacks—and they gave it right back to him with smiles and laughter. They loved him all the same and made sure he never went without his ice cream and sweets. 

Dick is now reunited with his beloved Diane, the love of his life and his favorite travel companion. Together again, may they rest in peace.