Clarence “Rusty” Auseth
Clarence “Rusty” Auseth, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home, Mon., February 12, 2024.
Rusty was born July 15, 1931, in Skunk Coulee near Galesville, the youngest of seven children, to Sigurd and Hulda Auseth. Rusty grew up in Skunk Coulee until the 6th grade when the family moved to Galesville. He attended Galesville elementary and high school where he very much enjoyed participating in athletics — football, basketball and track. After graduating from high school, Rusty attended Winona State University where he also played for the Winona State University football team. He then enlisted into the U.S. Air Force where he served his country for four years, including serving during the Korean War. During his service, he worked as an Air Force police officer.
After coming home from serving his country, he lived in Milwaukee for a time, working at the Milwaukee Brewery. He eventually moved back to the Fountain City area and started bartending for Wally’s Supper Club in Fountain City (currently known as the Wing Dam). Later, he managed Louise’s Liquor Store in Bluff Siding which eventually became George’s Lounge and Liquor Store. Rusty went on to manage, own and operate George’s for nearly 30 years. After selling George’s, he worked at Midtown Foods before retiring.
It was while working at Wally’s Supper Club where he met his wife, Praxy (Mueller) Auseth. Together Rusty and Praxy raised six children. Rusty loved to tell stories of his athletic career (“4-years all conference”) and loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletics as well. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Packers. Rusty was president and member of the Fountain City Lions Club, a Fountain City Council member, CFC Booster Club member and a Cochrane VFW Post 10406 member. He was an avid golfer and bowler. Rusty was a great guy known by many and could strike up a conversation with anyone.
Rusty is survived by his wife of 64 years, Praxy Auseth; his children: Sandra (John) Gruszynski, Sonja (Jeff) Romine, Bruce (Ann) Auseth, Sheila (Keith) Litscher, Shelly (Hank) Koenig, Stacy (Steve) Popp; as well as his grandchildren: Mitchell (Cassie) Abts, Brian Abts, Jacob (Beth) Abts, Bradley (Jes) Romine, Wesley (Shawnee) Romine, Jordan (Amanda) Romine, Taylor Auseth, Hayley (Hunter) Auseth, Kayla (Hayden) Fihn, Tyler Litscher, Abby (Cale) Litscher, Desiree (Doug) Hohmann, Dakota (Jessica) Koenig, Jonathan (Makenna) Cieminski, Gavin Popp, Tye Popp and Pailyn Popp. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters in law: Mary Mueller, Ray (Carol) Mueller, Jeannette (David) Sonsalla, Janice Heinz, Diane (Neal) Schaffner; also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Sigurd and Hulda Auseth; his mother and father-in-law, Slyvester and Theresa Mueller; also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Ollie Bolzer, Clara (Minard) Hansen, Hank (Terry) Auseth, Mae (Howard) Mankie, Orville (Verna) Auseth, Sigvold (Vernell) Auseth; and brothers-in-law: Charlie Heinz and Peter Mueller.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Fountain City. Father Arul Doss was Celebrant. Burial, along with full military honors, followed at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. A visitation was held Friday, February 16, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the Mass all at the church.
