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Submitted: 8/6/21 • Approved: 8/6/21 • Last Updated: 8/9/21 • R272488-G0-S3
Thomas Michael “Frenchie” Rush
14 Mar 1949 - 24 Oct 2007
Sioux Falls – Thomas Michael Rush, age 58, passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital with his adoring 'girls' at his side on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, of complications from a bone marrow transplant to treat leukemia.
Tom was born on March 14, 1949, in Colman, SD. 'Frenchie' grew up with his five siblings in Madison, SD. He spent his younger years as a fun-loving rabble rouser who enjoyed hopping freight trains and eventually served his country as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1971. Tom met his soul mate and future wife, Kathy, when she was assigned to his care for physical therapy at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. When Kathy saw him walking toward her with his big blue eyes she immediately knew he was 'the one.' They married in Seattle, WA in 1972, and raised their 4 children in San Diego, CA. The Rush family eventually moved to Sioux Falls, where Tom worked as a long-distance truck driver, earning him the nickname of 'Tommy Trucker.' Tom was an avid sports fan, and his favorite teams were the San Diego Chargers, San Diego Padres, and the UCLA Bruins. His family will forever think of him when his teams play.
He devoted his life to his wife, children, and 6 grandchildren. They are proud to know that they had the best husband, dad, and grandpa in the world. His wife will miss his silly love notes, gentle ways, and hearing his voice calling her 'honey'. She will forever cherish the mementos of their love and the legacy of love and family he left behind. His children will miss him every day in every way. They will always remember his Christmas morning routines, his hard-working hands, and his goofy sense of humor. His memory will be alive every time they look up at the moon, and they look forward to completing all of his to-do lists for him together as they promised. Among the numerous things his grandchildren will miss are playing 'sleeping bear,' listening to his wild bedtime tales, and playing together in the backyard. They will forever think of him when they pass a 'Grandpa Truck' on the highway.
Grateful for sharing his life are his devoted wife of 35 years, Kathleen Rush of Sioux Falls; his son Kevin Rush of San Diego, CA; daughter Shannon and husband Jon Rodrigue of San Diego, CA, and their children Thomas Michael, Sydney Rae, and Ryan Matthew; daughter Kerry Rush of Sioux Falls, and her children Tyler Jon and Katelyn Rae; and daughter Megan and husband Curt DeJong of Sioux Falls and their daughter Kelsey Rae; siblings Betty (Ken) Bauman of Madison; JoAnne (Craig) Rounds of Andover, MN; Kathleen (Ray) Norris of Hollywood, MD; Bill Rush of Hot Springs; and Patty Reistroffer of Sioux Falls. He will also be dearly missed by many friends and relatives, including his mother-in-law Doris Moore of Sioux Falls.
Tom was a member of St.Lambert Catholic Church. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred Rush, and brother-in-law Dennis Reistroffer.
The Rush family wishes to thank the healthcare community of Sioux Falls for taking such good care of Tom. We especially appreciate the phenomenal care provided by Dr. 'Vinod,' and Tammie, the entire transplant team, and the 3East staff at Avera McKennan Hospital. We are also grateful to Dr. Elie Dib and the oncology unit at Sanford Medical Center and the Royal C. Johnson Veteran's Hospital.
Visitation with family and a rosary service will be held on Friday at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls from 6-8 p.m. Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday at 11:30 am. St. Lambert Catholic Church.
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Section Columbarium A1 l Niche # D33 Inurnment 2021
Hospital Corpsman Navy
Contributed on 8/6/21 by 9katz
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Record #: 272488