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Obituary - Russell Lee Danreuther

Russell Lee Danreuther, 60, of Big Sandy, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a hard-fought battle with melanoma cancer.

A celebration of his full-throttle, no-regrets life will be held at Big Sandy High School gymnasium Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to wear red.

Rusty was born July 3, 1954, in Fort Benton, Montana, to Charles and Janet Danreuther. He was raised on the family farm and attended Midway Country School until fourth grade. He finished his schooling in Big Sandy graduating in 1973. While in his high school years, he was active in football, basketball, track and choir, including Sandy 16 and Men's Quartet. Rusty was an accomplished athlete, having a highly competitive, yet extremely humble, nature. Rusty married his high school sweetheart Nona Bitz on Sept. 9, 1973. After attending college for a year, they started farming northwest of Big Sandy and remained there for 41 years. They were blessed with two children, Joshua and Kristin.

Rusty loved life and people, and truly lived it to the fullest. He gave love and kindness throughout his life to everyone around him. Rusty shared his many talents by helping anyone in need and encouraged young people to sing and play instruments. Rusty enjoyed farming, but God and his family was above all.

His many hobbies included flying his Super Cub, motorcycles, fast cars, snowmobiles, hunting, guns, cowboy action shooting, fishing, canoeing, waterskiing, snow skiing, bowling, watching sporting events (especially track), photography, music and the list goes on.

Rusty started playing the bass and singing at the Church of God in 1975 and never looked back - weddings, funerals, leading worship music, wedding dances, homecoming programs, county fairs and played in six bands, plus announcing at sports events around the area.  Playing music and singing were always a constant in his life and he touched the hearts of many through his music.

Rusty always had a smile and time for everyone, and his fun-loving nature will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. Thank God for a guy like Rusty as we all have been blessed to have had him in our lives.

Rusty is survived by his loving wife, Nona; mother, Janet Danreuther; children, Joshua Danreuther and Kristin (Brandon) Gasvoda; grandchildren, Shelby, Bailey, Rusty, Amy and Mattie Gasvoda; siblings, Dan (Sparky) Danreuther, Rachel (Alan) Weaver, Keith (Patti Jo) Danreuther, Carol (Dennis) Bahnmiller, Calvin (Michelle) Danreuther; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Danreuther.

Memorials may be made to Big Sandy Medical Center, Chouteau County Hospice, Chouteau County Cancer Support Group, Big Sandy High School or the charity of one's choice.

We close with his favorite verse: "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is in me, bless His holy name."

 

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