Michael David Rusco, 68

Michael David Rusco passed away Monday, July 31, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones. Tough is a word often used to describe Mike, and true to the word, he was a fighter until the end. While many people spend their final hours thinking about their regrets, we'd like to think that our Dad was reflecting on all the things he didn't regret and a life well lived as a husband, dad, grandpa and friend.

Mike was born September 21, 1954 to Jack and Nancy Rusco, and spent most of his childhood in Lenox, Iowa where he enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and playing sports. Dad never regretted the time he spent with his parents, especially boating and fishing on the Missouri River. They most likely greeted him in heaven with a big bowl of potato salad and a juicy tomato. He has many great memories of time spent with his surviving siblings, Steve, Bob and Sue and his many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Mike truly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He rarely missed a chance to cheer on nephews at wrestling, catch catfish with the guys on the Missouri River, and attend meaningful events. He looked forward to late nights and long drives with his racing family. Some of his best times were spent with the #52 crew out on the dirt and in the events to follow, although he may have regretted the Jagerbombs the next morning. He also never regretted the young men who he mentored at work in the fine art of getting the goddamn “f***ing sh**” done right. While it's true that Mike never met a stranger, it's also true that he has a handful of friends who are now forever family.

While the news of twin daughters (Michaela Logan, Michelle Slominsky) may have been daunting to our Dad, he never let it show. He proudly held us both in his arms as infants, served honey buns to his "honeybuns" on early mornings, taught us how to drive a car as young teens, cheered us on during tennis matches, walked us down the aisle to our husbands (Steve Logan, Matt Slominsky) with his blessing. He didn’t waste any time welcoming Steve and Matt, loved them as his own, and was proud of our expanding family.

He was present for the birth of all five of his grandchildren and his many characteristics and qualities will live on in each of them. To his eldest granddaughter, Siena Logan, he leaves his enormous heart and a love for volleyball. To his eldest grandson, Miles Slominsky, he leaves his love for the great outdoors and catching fish any chance you can get. To his grandson Stevie Logan, he leaves a visual memory of his kind eyes, towering stature, and deep curiosity for understanding how things work. To his youngest granddaughters, Sophia Logan and Maurah Slominsky, he passes on his sweet tooth along with a bit of sass.

There is no doubt in our minds that the thing my Dad regrets the least is marrying our Mom. He was married to his wife Roxanne for 47 years. God knew he needed someone to keep the kitchen adequately stocked with Little Debbie Snack Cakes and homemade chocolate chip cookies. He needed someone who could drown out his non-stop cussing when watching his favorite teams; Huskers, Packers, and Celtics. Most of all, God knew he needed Mom, because despite her being over a foot shorter than him, she matched him in strength. She was there to lift him up at his lowest and hold him tight even through the strongest of storms. Their strength over the past year has been outstanding.

Mike had a life well lived. A visitation for Mike will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 9:00 to 10:00 am at Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz Funeral Home, 5108 F Street, Omaha, NE 68117. The funeral will be immediately following the visitation at the same location. A burial will occur following the funeral at St. John's Cemetery, 7506 S. 36th Street, Bellevue, NE 68147.

The family invites you to a casual Celebration of Life from 12:30-3:00 at Tanners Bar and Grill, 7340 Harrison St. - Ralston, NE 68127. We ask that you please honor Mike by wearing his favorite sports wear - Huskers, Packers, Celtics, or racing shirts.

In lieu of flowers, may you remember our Dad with monetary donations into the swear jar (for the Melanoma Research Foundation) or a box of Little Debbie Snack Cakes (donated to the amazing cancer care team at UNMC). (https://melanoma.org/).