Jay "Tom" Rust of Winneconne passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on September 1, 2017. Tom was born to Jay and Irene "Granny" Rust on January 17, 1948, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They moved to Fond du Lac when he was a child, where Tom graduated from Goodrich High School. He then attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he met the love of his life, Sheila Hey. They were married on July 31, 1971. Tom and Sheila had two children, Amy and Jay. They lived in Fond du Lac, then moved to the Rosendale area for the duration of the kid's school years, and ultimately moved to Winneconne after retirement to enjoy the good life.
Tom was employed through Fond du Lac County Social Services for 18 years. He subsequently worked for Fond du Lac School System as Director of Attendance and Transportation until his retirement in 2003. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, spending time with family and friends, and watching the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. He was a huge lover of animals, especially dogs, and he was also known to over feed any bird that would let him. He spent a good amount of his time taking long drives in the country, never the shortest way, but somehow "never lost."
Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He excelled with his quips and quick wit. If you were a friend of Tom's, you were teased at some time, and it was because he liked you. He always had a smile, a joke, and time to listen if you needed anything.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; children, Amy and Tony Wachewicz, Jay and Jodi Rust; grandchildren, Avery, Mia, and Declan Rust; sister, Lynn and Skip Woodruff; nephew, Jacey Woodruff; plus numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jay; mother, Irene; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Patricia and Phillip; and sister-in-law, Betty.
There will be a celebration of Tom's life on Thursday, September 7, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fin n' Feather upstairs banquet hall in Winneconne. All he touched are invited to attend to take part in food, pictures, laughs, and maybe a beverage or two to remember Tom by. Casual attire is welcomed.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.