Randall Rustad
February 24, 1950 ~ January 31, 2015
Randall Raymond Rustad, 64, of Fargo, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2015, at home surrounded by his family.
Randall Rustad was born on February 24, 1950, at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND to Arthur and Cecile (Devitt) Rustad. He graduated from Shanley High School in 1968, and went on to attend Mayville State University, where he graduated in 1972 earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies, and Physical Education & Health. After graduation, Randall commenced his 43 years of teaching and coaching in Biwabik, MN, where he taught Social Studies and coached baseball and basketball. From 1977 to 1986, he taught and was head boy’s basketball coach in Gary, MN. He began his career at Shanley High School in 1986 and was currently in his 29th year. During his time at Shanley, Randall taught US History, Government, Sociology, Economics, and Driver’s Education. He had also been head boy’s basketball coach, defensive coordinator for the football team, head baseball coach, and Athletic Director, as well as an organizer of the Close-Up program – taking many students to Washington, D.C.
Randall married Mary (Cosette) Rustad in 1973 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo, ND, where he was currently a member and Eucharistic Minister. He and Mary raised three children; Lucas, Jessica and Sarah.
Randall loved sports and competition. During high school, he played basketball for Central High School in Fargo and Shanley, he was a catcher for Fargo Post 2 Legion from 1966-1968. In college, Randall played catcher for Mayville State University from 1968-1972, earning All-Conference awards twice and being inducted into the Mayville State Hall of Fame as part of the 1970 baseball team. After college, he played amateur baseball for the Jamestown Elks and Fargo teams. Randall currently assisted his son Lucas with the Fargo Post 2 Legion program and was acting Director of Baseball Operations.
In addition to his love for competition, Randall had a passion for teaching, with a mission to teach his students the US Constitution. His goal was to ensure that his students would not leave high school without knowing the basis for the laws of the land in the United States. This zest and dedication to his students extended beyond the classroom as his commitment to their education was also his demonstration to the importance of integrity and character.
Randall was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, and coach who has left his impact in and out of the classroom, and most of all, was dedicated to his family.
He is survived by his wife Mary; his three children Lucas (Sarah), Fargo, ND, Jessica (Justin) Stimpson, Fargo, ND, Sarah (Casey) Hillman, Sioux Falls, SD; 5 brothers and sisters, Irvin (Lynann), Fargo, ND, Donna (Craig) Phillips, Moorhead, MN, Doris (Richard) Haraldson, Fargo, ND, Richard (LaVonne), Fargo, ND, and Patrick (Betty) Anderson, LaCentre, MN; and 8 grandchildren, Reece, Paige, Beckett, Ella, Cole, Lawrence, Alaric and Loretta.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Fargo Post 2 Baseball PO Box 2664 Fargo, ND 58108, and/or Shanley High School, 5600 25th St S Fargo, ND 58104.
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Mr. Rustad was my 10th Grade World History Teacher in Biwabik, MN. He inspired me to love history. He made it come alive.
My heart goes out to his family. ;
Fargo NdYour family is in our thoughts and prayers. Randall was such an excellent teacher and role model for the students of Shanley. Our sons respected him a great deal. He was definitely one of their favorites. He knew how to relate to his students and encouraged them to do their best. He inspired many and will live on in all the hearts he touched.
With sympathy, Doug & Renelda Hushka;
Saint Paul MNRick Hilber Randy was the \”natural\” of our group of ball players as the boys of Island Park. The ball went to the mark where he threw it and he ran the bases so as to make you throw him out if you could. On Tuesday I stood on the edge of the ball diamond where the winter toboggan slide would be during the snow season. The slide was gone but the diamond where Randy and Richard, Pat, Mike, Ronnie, Jack, and Lulu Kuppich played ball and on the same playing fields where Mr. Vraa ran summer baseball for 300 kids and pitch and ump. He greeted me once with the same warmth and friendship we had as boys and like it was just yesterday we had been together. He deserves to be always remembered with delight and joy as far as I’m concerned. The Rustad home was gone and the alley along the playing field was \”privatized\” but to me it is now Randall Rustad Lane.;
Edina MNI have great memories of Randy as a coach. He coached me in football from 4th grade through Senior year at Shanley. He was a great coach. I never participated nor condoned any pranks on him for fear that he would whoop my tail on the practice field. He had a confidence, swagger, intensity, warmth and care for all of his players and students. You couldn’t help but love the guy. I’ll miss him for I share in the loss of such a great person. God bless the Rustad’s, Shanley family, and most of all RRR.;
moorhead MinnesotaPlayed baseball with Randy in 60’s. 1 year behind Randy at St. Anthony’s, Shanley,
American Legion, I was a 6th grade Teacher at Nativity 75-76, 76-77.
OUR HEARTS ARE WITH YOU !;
Ada MNHi Mary and Family, It is a little shocking to read about Randy passing away? I know we watched for many days to see if he was going to snap out of the heart attack,but it was not to be? Its been a lot of years since you left Gary, but everytime his name came up, or for that matter any of the family, you were fondly thought of? One of my favorite things to remember was a couple nice young gals that I was able to supply gum to. Our best wishes for Gloria and I. So sorry to see it happen, you can take my words for that. Best wishes to all of you, Bob and Gloria Ramstad;
MNMr. Rustad taught all 3 of us kids how to drive and we had him as a teacher at Shanley. So many fond memories with him. My brother, Drew, ended up driving with him, unknowingly, during a police shootout. As we heard about it on the news that night…my mom said that if there was anyone to get caught in that situation with…Mr. Rustad was it. I really admire his dedication to his students. He put in so much extra time. He had a really good sense of humor. One time during \”orals\” I was laughing and he told me \”Sirek, stop that giggling…it’s getting to me\”…meaning he was laughing too. I think he was trying to keep up his tough exterior, yet I know he had a heart of gold. He taught me so much more than textbook. He’s one of the most respected men I’ve ever known, and if you ever shook his hand, you might actually believe he really did work for the President. (\”Rrrustad. -pause- Yes, Mr. President\”) Our prayers for anyone who knew and loved him. He will be tremendously missed. *Thank you Mr. Rustad~ Heaven gained a very special angel. ;
New York New YorkMary and family, my prayers and sympathy are with you. The world is diminished with Randy’s passing but the ranks of heaven are embellished. Randy was in the section of the fourth grade that I taught at St. Anthony’s many years ago. He was a delightful little boy with just the right blend of sensitivity and mischief. I had the good fortune to meet him years later and see the fine man he became. May he rest in peace confident that the good he has done will live after him.
Peace,
S. Mary Margaret Mooney (aka Sister Consolata) ;
Fargo, ND
I send you deepest sympathy and prayers. Mr. Rustad will be sorely missed. He was an exemplary man who was patient and understanding of all his students.
My fondest memory was walking down the street, since we were neighbors, to have him teach me to drive. It was bright red Chevy Corsica. He took me up to North Moorhead to try and teach to me to back about around the cones and I ran over three. I even managed to get them all lodged under the car. He told me this was a good time to learn how to change a tire…:)
May he rest with the Angels.;
MR. Rustad was an outstanding teacher who pushed students to do their best. He held us to high expectations but also had a Sense of humor and went out of his way to connect with students.He Created so many memories within the halls of Shanley that he’ll never be forgotten. He was a great role model for many ;
Fargo ND
Jessica and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. You spoke so highly of your father and the grandfather he was to your kids. The news coverage this weekend certainly echoed how highly regarded he was and how impactful he was to his students. I hope it helps a bit to know that time will help ease the pain. Hugs to you.
Shari;
fargo ndMy deepest sympathies to the Randall Rustad family on their great loss. Randall will always be remembered by my sons and I as a caring and wonderful man he was. Heaven gained a great player in Randall and coach.
Brian, Brent, Brady, Brock Horner;
Heartfelt condolences to you all. Holding you up in prayer.;
Dilworth MinnesotaOur thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I’m sure it is hard to believe Randall is gone. We have read many of the tributes to him, so know that he has touched and shaped so many people over the years. We wish you God’s comfort in the difficult days ahead.;
MNMr. Rustad taught all 3 of us kids how to drive and we had him as a teacher at Shanley. So many fond memories with him. My brother, Drew, ended up driving with him unknowingly during a police shootout. When we heard about that on the news that night…my mom said that if there was anyone to get caught in that situation with…Mr. Rustad was it. I really admire his dedication to his students. He put in so much extra time. He made me laugh…one time during \”orals\” I was laughing and he told me \”Sirek, stop that giggling…it’s getting to me\”…meaning he was laughing too. I think he was trying to keep up that tougher exterior, yet I know he had a heart of gold. He’s one of the most respected men I’ve ever known, and if you ever shook his hand….you might actually believe he really did work for the President. (\”Rrrustad. -pause- Yes, Mr. President\”)
Our prayers for anyone who knew and loved him. He will be tremendously missed. *Thank you Mr. Rustad~ Heaven gained a very special angel. ;
Fantastic Coach and Teacher, with a great sense of humor. Keeping your family in our prayers.;
Thoughts and prayers goes out to your family. Shanley holds a special place in my heart because of all the great people and Randal was one of them. Take Care.;
Blaine MNI am sorry for your loss you are all in my prayers. Mr. Rustad was a wonderful teacher, coach and father. I am grateful to have been taught by him in the Shanley family.
Jessie;
Phoenix AZTo the entire Rustad family, I extend my condolences for your loss, my gratitude for having had the privilege to learn from Mr. Rustad, and my regrets for not being able to be there to commemorate him in person. What a wonderful example of how to live life to its fullest, with passion, dedication, respect and a fantastic sense of humor.
Lux perpetua, luceat ei.
Sarah Burns, ’03;
Phoenix AZTo the entire Rustad family, I extend my condolences for your loss, my gratitude for having had the privilege to learn from him, and my regrets for not being able to be there to commemorate Mr. Rustad in person. What a wonderful example of how to live life to its fullest, with passion, dedication, respect and a fantastic sense of humor.
Lux perpetua, luceat ei.
Sarah Burns, ’03;
Valley City N.D.My dad and I watched Randy play alot of baseball with the legion,college and amateur.He always took time after the games to visit with us. He gave me my first batting donut and many tips how to improve my game.He was always good to me. He was a good guy.;
Fargo ND
Heartfelt sympathies go out to . Mary Beth, Jessica, Sarah and Lucas for the loss of a great husband and father. Molly and Kelly have fond memories of Randall and government studies. They were better students because of him. Let his memories comfort you and remember…
\”Only the good die young\”;
Casa Grande ArizonaA very good role model for all of us in our earthly life.;
Mary and kids,
Randy will always hold a special place in my heart. He was so strong and loyal to Tom all those years ago at Shanley. We will never find another one like him. Know that he is with his Savior at this very moment. That is a very comforting thought and one to hold onto until we see him again.;
To the Rustad family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Rustad was a wonderful teacher both in the classroom and on the rode. Not only did I have Mr. Rustad in class my junior and senior year, I also had him for drivers ed. He was a great guy all around. He was all so my teacher past and present. Know that I am praying for all of you and thinking about you all. I wish I could be there on Wednesday, but since I won’t, know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and God bless!
Samantha Paul class of 2012;
Mr. Rustad was the best teacher that I’ve had and I know some of his sayings still stick with me today from drivers ed and our government class. All of his family, friends, and former/current students are in my prayers as I know he will be missed by many.;
Sincere condolences to Randy’s family, students, and friends.
Ryan Fahey, MSC teammate;
Thanks to Mr. Rustad, I will never forget the U.S. state capitals or the amendments to the Constitution. He was a man who truly cared about the success of his students and motivated each of us to work hard to do our best. It was a privilege to have been taught by him and I will never forget his sense of humor and passion for teaching. Your family is my prayers and may he rest in peace. ;
Crookston MND
ear Mary and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Randall’s passing on the early morning news this morning. Have been thinking of you and your family all morning. My deepest sympathies to you all.;
To the Rustad family –
I am so unbelievably sorry for your loss. I want to thank each and every one of you for sharing RRR with all of us: Shanley students and staff, Post 2 players and parents, everyone. Luke, I want to thank you for the Facebook updates. Rustad is the kind of person you’ll cross paths with only once in your life and I was lucky enough to know him. You guys are in my thoughts during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in all the stories and pictures shared by Shanley alum as well as all the love from the F-M community. I am convinced that man had nerves of steel. Driver’s Ed was my first Rustad experience. He survived years of teaching that so I really thought he could survive anything. Your husband/father/grandpa/brother/uncle was an amazing man!! Rest in peace, Rustad. I hope someone still plays pranks on you in heaven!;
Grand Forks ND
So sad to hear of Randy’s death. My thoughts and prayers are for the family. He will be missed by so many but his influence will be present for years to come.
Kathy Lynch Ashe ;
My deepest sympathies are with the Rustad family at this difficult time. I remember Mr. Rustad very fondly. ;
You will never be forgotten.;
Moorhead MNSorry for the your loss of Randall. He was a great man, mentor, and teacher to name just a few. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rustad family. He will not be forgotten. His lessons will continue through all those he has impacted.;
West Fargo ND
Our prayers and thoughts to the family of a truly wonderful individual. It has been a pleasure to know and work with Randall over the years. His spirit was and will remain contagious. He had a way of connecting with people that made you want to be around him. His spirit will live on. God Bless! George and Linda Ellis;
Enderlin ND
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers be with you during this time.
Paul, Sheila and Michael Ripplinger;
I’ve been thinking of your family and praying for you all and for the respose of the soul of Mr. Rustad. For a long while I knew Mr. Rustad only by reputation – his Roots quizzes were of lore and legend. Eventually I had him for a number of courses. He also taught me to drive and to this day I never merge in front of a semi unless I can see the truck’s front wheels in my rearview mirror (a trick he taught me). Or at least, if I do, I know I shouldn’t.
And he told the best stories of his days working garbage pick-up.
Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Anna Knier
Class of 2000;
Grand Forks North DakotaA wonderful teacher, a wonderful man, lost much too soon. To the family of Mr. Rustad, you are in my thoughts and prayers.;
Farewell to a man who will forever be in my heart. I feel honored to be a part of his last senior class. The halls of Shanley High School will never be he same. I think I speak for many when I say that it feels almost unreal that he has passed. But I know that he will be watching over all of us, drinking his Tab of course. Rest easy, Rustad. You will never be forgotten.;
Fargo Lucas, Sarah, Paige, Reese and the rest of the Rustad family, although no words can ever help ease the pain of your loss, please remember that you are in our prayers and thoughts. May hope, peace and comfort come to you all. ;
Osage MNFarewell my friend…the memories have sure come flooding back this week. \”Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end…\”. I am very happy we became friends so many years ago and very proud to know what a positive impact you have had on so many people over the years. I pray that God will bring love and peace to Mary and the family as they go through this most difficult time. I won’t say goodbye forever because we will meet again. God will now open His arms and welcome you into paradise. God bless the wonderful memories and life on Randall Rustad.
A friend and classmate of 1968,
Dee Dee ;
St. Louis MOMy condolences to the Rustad family and the JP II Catholic Schools community.
I had the distinct privilege of teaching alongside Randall for four years at Shanley. I learned a great deal about working with students, teaching pedagogy and what it means to be a Christian man. I owe Randall a great debt of gratitude for the impact he had on my growth as a teacher, coach and person.
I was always inspired by the
manner in which he spoke of his wife, children and grandchildren. It was clear that he had a great love for them and that they were very important to him.
It will be strange to think of Shanley High School without Randall roaming the halls. He was there at all hours of the day- in early to get ready for the day and to give orals as well as to supervise driver’s education. Randall also could be found there late at night with baseball, or watching/announcing a sports game.
I do have to admit that I would often try hard to beat Randall to school in the morning. If I succeeded in beating him, I could count on a phone call from him telling me that I needed to get a life and asking why I was in so early. Beating Randall to school did not happen too often, so I treasured those days.
Again, I offer my deepest condolences to all his family and friends, as well as the faculty, staff and students of John Paul II Schools. While Randall may be gone, his memories will continue to live on and I know he will be keeping an eye on Shanley and Jack Williams Stadium from heaven.
Blessings,
Chris Johnson
;
Scottsdale AZDear Rustad Family,
We are very saddened to hear about the passing of our dear Mr. Rustad. Our two daughters, Lisa(’03) and Sara(’07) had the priviledge of having him for an instructor at Shanley. They both thought very highly of him and referred to him as one of their favorite teachers of all time! He had such of a love for life and shared his positive energy with all those he came into contact with. What a great mentor for all of us. May he rest in eternal peace.;
St. Louis MOMy condolences to the Rustad family and the JP II Catholic Schools community.
I had the distinct privilege of teaching alongside Randall for four years at Shanley. I learned a great deal about working with students, teaching pedagogy and what it means to be a Christian man. I owe Randall a great debt of gratitude for the impact he had on my growth as a teacher, coach and person.
I was always inspired by the
manner in which he spoke of his wife, children and grandchildren. It was clear that he had a great love for them and that they were very important to him.
It will be strange to think of Shanley High School without Randall roaming the halls. He was there at all hours of the day- in early to get ready for the day and to give orals as well as to supervise driver’s education. Randall also could be found there late at night with baseball, or watching/announcing a sports game.
I do have to admit that I would often try hard to beat Randall to school in the morning. If I succeeded in beating him, I could count on a phone call from him telling me that I needed to get a life and asking why I was in so early. Beating Randall to school did not happen too often, so I treasured those days.
Again, I offer my deepest condolences to all his family and friends, as well as the faculty, staff and students of John Paul II Schools. While Randall may be gone, his memories will continue to live on and I know he will be keeping an eye on Shanley and Jack Williams Stadium from heaven.
Blessings,
Chris Johnson
;
Fargo ND
Randall and Mary have been neighbors for a very long time. I spoke with Mary yesterday and we visited about how our children grow up and become these amazing adults who seem to be our strength in our darkest of times. Luke, Jessica, Sarah and families…you are a light to your mother and an inspiration to so many. We will all miss your dad and watching him walking with the grandchildren or playing with them out in the front yard. Randall and Mary, you raised a beautiful family. Our sympathies and prayers for comfort during this time of your great loss.
Kathy and Rick Greener;
Our prayers are with you all during this tough time. ;
Fargo ND
Rustad Family,
We are very saddened by your loss and will continue to pray for all of you. Thank you for sharing Randall with our three children, Ryan (’01), Janelle (’03) and Michael (’08). They all have such wonderful memories of \”Mr. Rustad\”…such a great man and wonderful teacher. May he rest in the peace of Christ forever.
Rich and Mary Kay Schmit ;
My condolences especially to all of Mr. Rustad’s family. You knew and loved him best. To all the rest of us who knew him, we mourn him as a teacher, coach, and friend. Brother in Christ, go on to your eternal happiness and look upon us here below with the same genuine concern as when you walked tall and true among us.
Requiescat in pace.;
Osage MNFarewell my friend…the memories have come flooding back all week. \”Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end\”. I am proud to call you my friend and sing your praises for the wonderful man you became. I pray God will surround your family and friends with love and peace, as they bid you a fond farewell.
As you enter paradise, I won’t say goodbye forever, because we will meet again. God Bless the life and memories of my classmate and friend, Randy Rustad.
Dee Dee Doyle (Olson)
Class of 1968
;
Fargo ND
My thoughts and condolences are with you, his family. Mr Rustad was an amazing teacher who taught me far more than amendments and driving laws, and I thank you for sharing him with all of us students. He conducted himself and his classroom with a personality and warmth unlike any teacher I’ve ever had. The pranks and stories are all testament to his nature, and for that, all of us students will be forever thankful. He was gifted, hilarious, patient, and encouraging. To say he’ll be missed is an understatement, but he’ll never be truly gone. All the stories will live on for years and years to come.
Hopefully heaven stocked up on Tab. ;
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mr. Rustad was an extremely gifted teacher and a wonderful man. He treated every student with dignity and respect, and made each of us excited to get involved in class. May the Lord grant you all peace and comfort. ;
Jessica , I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you are feeling right now. You are in my prayers.;
Fargo ND
I am so sorry for your family’s loss, Randell was a great man and will be missed by many.;
Moorhead MinnesotaRandall we are going miss you my friend. You have made such an impact during your lifetime. You have left a lasting legacy. RIP;
My condolences especially to all of Mr. Rustad’s family. You knew and loved him best. To all the rest of us who knew him, we mourn him as a teacher, coach, and friend. Brother in Christ, go on to your eternal happiness and look upon us here below with the same genuine concern as when you walked tall and true among us.
Requiescat in pace.;
Fargo ND
I had the pleasure of being a high school teammate of Randy in basketball and baseball. He was a competitor on the court and behind the plate and team came first. While our paths did not cross much after high school, when they did he was the first to go out of his way to greet you, engaging and kind. I will miss seeing him at the American Legion baseball banquets. It is comforting to know his son will be carrying on his legacy. RIP Randall.;
Sahuarita ArizonaMary Beth and Family I am so sorry to learn of Randy’s passing, it must be a comfort to you to know that he was so loved in the community and such an influence to the kids he taught. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you and comfort you.;
SILVER LAKE KS-KansasRandall was always striving to be the best he could me. I loved playing baseball and basketball against him in the early years of life. He was very kind and encourage other team mates and friends. God has taken him from us but Randall is in a better place. Some day we all will be able to see him again. Amen!
;
My condolences especially to all of Mr. Rustad’s family. You knew and loved him best. To all the rest of us who knew him, we mourn him as a teacher, coach, and friend. Brother in Christ, go on to your eternal happiness and look upon us here below with the same genuine concern as when you walked tall and true among us.
Requiescat in pace.;
The last few days, I’ve been sharing my thoughts about Mr. Rustad with friends and coworkers, and everyone’s responses are the same: he sounds like an amazing man and teacher. He was everything a teacher was supposed to be, and he approached every day in the classroom with passion, pride, and enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing your father with us. I hope his journey onward is Tab fueled. \”Rrrrroll call, coming at ya!\”
;
Grand Forks North DakotaYou’re already deeply missed uncle Randall;
bottineau ndI had the opportunity to meet Randy several years ago when I was in my early 20s and we began umpiring baseball together. I was the youngest member of our umpiring crew and Randy proved to be a very strong role model and mentor to me. I am still umpiring 30 years later and the way I handle myself and arbitrate a game are a direct result of his tutelage and infectious attitude. From now on, whenever I step on the field, I will always remember my mentor and good friend. I am thankful for the opportunity to have him share my life and hope I can conduct myself as classy as he lived his life. He will definitely be remembered by many whose lives he made better. R.I.P., my friend. You may be gone, but never forgotten! ;
argyle mnMary and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of Randall, praying and thinking of you.
;
We all have been praying for Randall and the family. Randall was a great guy and GOD needed him more than us. May GOD Bless him mightily in heaven. GOD’s WILL, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. ;
ND
Freedoms, Guns, Troops, Warrant, Silence… Randy was a great coach, an even better teacher and all-around human being. He touched thousands of lives on the court, field, and classroom, and those of us who were lucky enough to experience this should be grateful. I have many memories of Mr.Rustad from junior high basketball to football at Shanley, and of course, his gov’t and history classes. One that came to mind (or is it a myth?) was this: Lecturing in front of his class in one of his classic suits, a fly was buzzing incessantly around the classroom. Mid-lecture, RRR paused, and out came the famed fly-swatter pistol. He took aim, fired, and plastered the fly against the window. Without missing a beat, he turned on his heel and continued his lecture, writing his notes on his whiteboard. Despite the hilarity, no one in the class laughed or even chuckled. They didn’t want to miss the notes. God Bless and Rest in Peace.;