Michael Grant Rusk

Born on June 28, 1965, Mike grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and graduated from Amphitheater High School. He had a passion for baseball, the outdoors and loved hunting, water skiing, camping, boating, and loved spending time with his family and friends. Mike worked as a supervisor at Preferred Sands and was a stucco base technician. He coached youth baseball and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Wildcats, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Mike and his wife, Kim, were married on April 7, 1990, in Tucson, Arizona. The couple built a beautiful life together raising their two children Sharee and Michael. They enjoyed camping, exploring the countryside, and visiting places like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, California, Apache Lake, and Destin, Florida. They had just begun their lifelong goals of traveling all over together in their RV. As a loving father, Michael often joked that Sharee was his “favorite daughter” and Michael was his "favorite son" – a humorous claim, given that they were his only two children. This light hearted teasing was a testament to his playful and loving nature. One of Mike's most cherished memories was the time he challenged his son, Michael, to a game of pool, boasting that he would "kick his butt in pool with a broomstick." True to his word, Mike emerged victorious, leaving a lasting impression on his son. Mike's favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, for which he had stated, “The Cowboys play, you get to eat great food, and you don’t have to buy presents.” Meaning, that the importance was getting together with those that meant the most to you.

Mike knew music and enjoyed good ‘ole rock n roll. Mike and Kim enjoyed many concerts together. He loved watching witty comedies and spending time with his family and friends, including his loyal dog, Gonzo. Mike was an avid hunter, and his friends and family will always remember these famous quotes: "If it's brown, it's down.” and “it’s better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.” His love for the outdoors and his sense of humor made him a beloved companion on hunting trips. Mike also loved "shooting the bull" with his friends and brothers, swapping stories and sharing laughter. He was incredibly proud and happy to be a grandfather. He made sure to be by his daughter’s side during both births of her children. He adored all of his grandchildren tremendously. Mike always had a twinkle in his eye, a heartfelt smile on his face and a Mike’s Hard Lemonade in his hand.

He is home now with his grandparents; his father, Joe Dean Rusk; mother, Helen (MacPherson) Rusk; and grandson, Joseph Grant Bradley Rusk and bonus sister, Bobbi Jo Wegner.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Kim Rusk (Shelton); daughter Sharee Coombs (Rusk) and husband Brandon of Fremont, Nebraska; son, Michael Grant Rusk II and wife Julie of Norfolk, NE; brothers, Bob and Bill Rusk, of Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law, Mindy Shelton of Columbus, NE; sister-in-law, Lynn Cohen and husband Craig of Broomall, PA; bonus sister, Shelly Oshel-Palmer of Linwood, NE; Barb and Duane Sechser Sioux Falls, ND, bonus brother, Todd Oshel and wife Andrea of Little Sioux, IA; his brothers by choice, Kenneth Haile, Andy Nipper and Daniel Deitering; all of Tucson, AZ and Blaine Shelton of Columbus, NE; niece and nephews, Milla Shelton, Brandon Shelton of Columbus, NE and all of the many nieces and nephews; Aunt Mary Oshel and family of Ames, NE; Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob Oshel of FL; six grandchildren, Braydon Coombs, Mickayla Coombs, Hunter Phillips, Brody Phillips, Evey Phillips.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, February 1st, at AG Park, located at 822 15th Street, Columbus, NE 68601. The family encourages everyone to come join them for a celebration of Michael's life. Food and drinks will be provided, and we welcome everyone to come and share their memories. Mike, your love, smile, laughter, kindness, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know you. Your legacy will live on in the memories we have. May you keep a watchful eye from the heavens, and you can rest easy now.

Regarding any floral arrangements or monetary donations, please reach out to the family as Mike is coming home to Nebraska and will not be in Oklahoma. Thank you for all your love and support.