Robert “Bob” P. Rusch, Rib Lake…age 82, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife and family, at the Rib Lake Nursing Home.
Bob was a founding and life member of WWOA. He filed many of the necessary legal documents to create the organization. He served on the first Board of Directors, serving as secretary. He began writing for the magazine during WWOA’s first year, generously answering legal questions from WWOA members and writing about laws that woodland owners often found confusing. He received WWOA’s Special Recognition award in 1995 in recognition of the legal assistance he provided to members through his popular “It’s the Law” magazine column and other articles which he authored for 30 years, and his extraordinary efforts on behalf of WWOA contributing to the organization’s success.
Bob was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. He served as the Taylor County district attorney from 1972-1980 and then partnered with his brother to open their own law office in Medford where he specialized in land-related law, criminal defense, and divorce.
Bob’s parents were from Taylor County and it was his dream to live and own land in the area. He spent his life planting thousands of trees, selective thinning, pruning, and otherwise improving the quality and beauty of the forest.
His passions were not limited to his woodlands and WWOA. He gave generously of his expertise and time to better his community and state. He helped found the Rib Lake Ski & Snowshoe Club, Ice Age National Scenic Trail where he was recognized for 50 years of volunteer service, establishment of Timm’s Hill and the first Rustic Road in Taylor County. A founder of the Rib Lake Historical Society, he created a website to house the historical documents at riblakehistory.com.
To honor Bob, his family invites you to hike one of the trails he helped build. Invite a friend to join you. Pause to admire one of his many signs. And, if you really want to make him smile, throw the word “hemlockery” into your conversation. A Celebration of Life will be held in spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s name to the Ice Age Trail Alliance (PO Box 128, Cross Plains, WI 53528) or Hope Hospice (537 W. Broadway Ave., Medford, WI 54451).