Leonard Eugene Rust

   Faithful Husband , beloved Father, trustworthy Neighbor and loyal Friend, Leonard Eugene Rust went to be with his Savior on August 31, 2025. A cancer survivor who battled chronic pain and physical adversity, Leonard touched so many lives as a “gentle giant” whose humor and humility endeared him to everyone. He and his wife, Merla, entertained many friends and family in their home as well as extended themselves into their community with service. Leonard loved to fish for walleye and hunt for deer but his preeminent love was reserved for his family. He was known for his dry sense of humor and gentle teasing, though everyone just knew him as a “ heckuva nice guy.” The Spencer First Baptist Church and its congregation provided both Leonard and Merla a focus for their great faith and gave comfort through many trials. In his final years, in chronic pain with the use of only one arm, Leonard continued to build and re-finish furniture as well as help others wherever he could.

   Survived by son Dan (Barb) of Pinehurst NC, daughter Jill Sievers (Mark) of Cameron MO. Grandchildren Evan (Laura) of Raleigh NC, Mollie White (Colton) of Blue Springs MO, Emily Rust and fiance Scott Bullins of Omaha NE, and Quinton Sievers (Katie) of Belton MO as well as five great-grandchildren Oliver, Conrad, Henry, Arlo and Charles. Survived by sibling Lester Rust (Hickman NE). Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Merla, his father, Harland, and mother, Annie, and siblings Lorraine, Don, and Darlene. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Ruthven Community Care Center and Gentiva Hospice for their outstanding care.

   Leonard graduated from Ellsworth MN High School in 1959 where he starred as a basketball center with a great hook shot. He then proceeded to find work in the Minneapolis/St. Paul MN area. He soon married the love of his love life, Merla, in 1961 and they made their home in Mapleton MN and welcomed his son, Dan, in 1963. He found work as a carpenter in Spencer IA where they moved shortly thereafter and where daughter Jill was born in 1967. Leonard built homes, renovated rooms and labored in many other construction projects, even building cupolas for area barns while working at night on his own home. In 1975, he joined Eaton Corporation, working his way up from basic line assembly to foreman. Eaton provided a venue for not only job security but friendships that stood the test of time and his many adversities. Leonard leaves this world as a man much greater than his physical stature, with work in many homes of family, friends and neighbors but most of all with memories of faithful love and friendship in the hearts and minds of so many people.

   In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Ruthven Community Care Center in memory of Leonard Rust.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”