Richard Allyn Rustad

Richard’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Viewable Below:

Richard’s Prayer Service will be Viewable Below:

Richard Allyn Rustad, age 74, of Fargo, passed away September 15th, 2022 at Sanford Hospital on Broadway surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born August 2, 1948, at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND to Arthur and Cecile (Devitt) Rustad. He attended St. Anthony of Padua School as a child and later graduated from Central High School in 1966.

Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1967-1972 during the Vietnam War. He was an Airman aboard the USS Coral Sea, Fighter Squadron One Five One. He was tasked with the job of caring for a F-4B Phantom airplane, which he did with excellence, earning him the award for Plane Captain of the month, January 1970. Richard was very proud of his time in the Navy and serving his country. He never passed up an opportunity to visit with a veteran and share stories. His service took him all over the world to places like the Philippines, Korea, Australia, Hawaii, and California. Richard always said working on the flight deck was a “rush”.

Upon honorable discharge, Richard returned to Fargo and began working at the family business, Rustad’s Upholstery, with his father, grandfather, and grandmother. He married LaVonne (Carlson) Rustad on June 22, 1974, in Warwick, ND. They made their home on the corner of 9th Street and 15th Avenue, in Fargo, where they continue to live today. He also attended Dakota Business College after he was married.

In 1975, Richard took ownership of the upholstery shop. He was a master of his craft and a true artist. He upholstered with precision and care in every staple, stitch, and button. He liked to joke he was international after doing some work for the Harlem Globetrotters. After continuing the business for another 35 years, he unwantingly had to retire due to his health as he was no longer able to execute the level of work he expected of himself. He would say, “If I can’t do it right, I’m not doing it at all.” The shop always had the smell of spray adhesive, the sound of the air compressor for his staple gun, and either Judge Wapner or a soap opera at deafening levels. It was a gathering spot for friends and family to stop and see Rich. Laughing at his jokes, listening to his stories, a cup of coffee and a stale doughnut were all guarantees of a visit.

Richard had a love of baseball that started in his childhood and continued his entire life. He coached youth baseball prior to going on to coach his sons. In the early hours of summer, you would see a slew of bicycles on the front lawn of the house. The neighborhood boys would sit all over the living room floor patiently waiting for Coach Richie to finish his morning cigarette and coffee while reading the newspaper before they would gather up in the back of the van and head off to baseball practice. He would want you to know he coached those boys through countless wins and trophies.

Richard was a student of history an avid fan of Fargo Post 2 Legion Baseball, the Green Bay Packers, NDSU athletics, professional wrestling, crosswords, golfing (B.R.A.G. Champion 1981, 1991, 2019), and attending grandchildren’s activities.

He is survived by his wife LaVonne; his three children, Chelsa (Brian) Swaser, Fargo, ND, Nathaniel (Ericka) Rustad, Maple Valley, WA, Adam (Samira) Rustad, Bellingham, WA; 4 brothers and sisters, Irvin (Lynann) Rustad, Fargo, ND, Donna (Craig) Phillips, Moorhead, MN, Doris (Rick) Haraldson, Fargo, ND, and Patrick (Betty) Anderson, LaCentre, MN; 6 grandchildren, Zachary, Isaac, Tanner, Ryder, Skyla, and Austyn; 1 great grandchild, Declan; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Fargo Post 2 Baseball or The National Cemetery of Fargo.

Thank you to Dr. Roxanne Newman, Dr. Gerald Gross, Roger Maris staff, and all of his compassionate nurses and doctors. We will be forever grateful for extending Richard’s life far beyond our expectations