Irene Rust
June 8, 1926 ~ August 14, 2013
Irene Elizabeth Rust, 87, Fargo, North Dakota, died on August 14, 2013 in Sanford Hospital Palliative Care. She was born June 8, 1926 to Albert and Emily (Hendrickx) Kasowski of rural Mapleton and grew up with seven sisters and two brothers. Irene graduated from Mapleton High School and then attended Teacher’s College in Valley City. She taught at rural schools in Cass County.
Irene met Duane Rust while teaching in Prosper, North Dakota. They were married on September 16, 1947. Irene and Duane farmed in the Prosper area and raised twelve children. They were members of St. Mary’s Cathedral and in later years, Holy Spirit in Fargo, North Dakota. Irene enjoyed gardening, reading, sewing, crocheting and knitting, attending Homemaker’s Club, and volunteering with the St. John’s Ladies' Auxiliary. She was devoted to her husband and family. Following retirement, Duane and Irene lived in Park Rapids, MN, but eventually moved to Fargo.
Irene is survived by her twelve children: Dennis (Vicki) Rust, Jeanne Rust (Chris McGrath), Sheila (Stener) Anderson, Greg (Lyann) Rust, Julie (Frank) Depute, Brenden (Cyndi) Rust, Brad (MaryJo) Rust, John Rust, Elizabeth (Todd) Jonas, Patricia (Joe) Roth, Mary (Tim) Harms, and Kate (Kent) Rockstad. She had 22 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Irene is survived by her sisters, Martha (Bruno) Seppi and Rita Anderson, her brother, Frank (Ruth) Kasowski, and her sisters-in-law, Shirley Kasowski and Gladys Rust.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Duane, and her siblings: Mary Holzer, Beatrice Radzak, Agnes Bradish, Bernadette Radzak, John Kasowski, and Theresa Hanson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends of the Fargo Public Library and the Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society.
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In deepest sympathy for Irene’s family.
In my life time I have not meet very may people as peaceful and caring as Irene. Our prayers go out to all her family.
May God Bless
Roger Knoll and Family
Jamestown ND
It is with mourning that I heard of the death of your mother Irene.
It is a consolation of our faith that she is now nearer to us, can love us and pray for us – not before a statue or with a prayer book, but in the very Beatific Vision of God and in the total communion of Saints.
She was and is an inspiration to me of gentleness and kindness.
Peace be with you,
Fr. Al Bitz
Vienna WVTo all of Irene’s family: I was sorry to read of Irene’s death. I hope all of you can get through your grief by remembering of all the good times your family spent together with Irene and Duane.
Jayson Trenbeath
Vienna, WV
Duluth Minnesota
My sincere sympathy to Irene’s family and loved ones! My family lived on the farm across the road from Rust’s and I still vividly recall Irene’s beautiful flowers. Irene and Duane were always good and helpful neighbors and our very first television viewing was at their home. When I received my first life-size doll I named her for Jeanne who was a baby at the time. Likewise, my sister Diane named her first big doll for Julie who was than an infant. Peace to all. Cherish your memories of a wonderful mom.
Missoula MontanaI was a first time teacher in the Berlin Township, rural Prosper, N.D
.
I lived on my home farm, Clarence and Marie Rust, during that whole year. That spring the rains came and did not want to quit so being the roads were dirt, they became near impossible for me to drive to school. Duane and Irene offered for me to stay at their home which was closer to the school. I have wonderful memories of the loving home-at the time, the four oldest children were very young but Irene was such a wonderful Mom, managed a big garden, and took part in activities in the community! Bless the memories of Irene Rust.
Olathe KSLiz and Todd, We are sorry to learn of the death of your beloved Mother! Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all the Rust family.
Ashland WiOur thought and prayer,are with you
Granite Falls MN
That was a very nice picture and write-up about my sister, Irene.
Boulder ColoradoIrene (then Kazowski) was my 3rd grade teacher at Prosper Elementary School. She was such a patient, kind, and effective teacher. I was very pleased when this teacher that I admired and liked so much married my Cousin Duane! Before I went off to college, I also did some babysitting with Irene and Duane’s oldest three children when they were very young. Irene was one lovely lady that I’ll always remember fondly.
Jefferson IAI so admired Irene and always enjoyed talking to her. My last memory of her was at Todd and Liz’s house. We sat on the steps and visited about my mother and life. She was wise, kind and interesting. Raising 12 children is so amazing! I know you will all miss her and my sympathy to you all.
Mark and Marilyn
Bloomington MN
Thinking of Irene makes me smile. I was a kid when Duane and Irene started a family. My sister Joanne was babysitting for them and when I got old enough, I inherited the responsibility. I admired Irene for keeping a neat house even with a lot of children around, and for her beautiful flowers and gardens. Irene was a beautiful woman who will be missed by many. My sympathy to all of you!