Joel Dennis Rusk

Joel Dennis Rusk, 67, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away peacefully with his family by his side early Tuesday morning, November 11, 2025, in Olathe, Kansas.

He arrived on this earth on October 5, 1958, in Kansas City, Kansas, the 5th son of Howard and Sylvia (George) Rusk. Joel graduated from Turner High School with the class of 1977.

August 15, 1981 was a special day for Joe when he married the love of his life, Dorothy Mayden, in Gladstone, Missouri. Together they shared a remarkable journey filled with love that lasted over 44 years. Simultaneously, they built businesses, raised their three wonderful children and became grandparents to seven grandchildren. Those years were filled with an abundance of laughter, joy and a multitude of heart-felt conversations together. 

 In 1998, Joe and Dorothy made their home in Ottawa, Kansas. Joe poured his heart and craftsmanship into their home- where no one was a stranger- along with his business, Renovator’s Plus, working as a master carpenter. His skill, dedication, and pride in his work were unmatched. He was especially proud of helping build and being a part-owner of Jayhawk Marina. While over the years, remodeling many residential and commercial properties owned by R&R Partnership. Once his health put limitations on his working abilities, Joe later retired. He then helped with his grandchildren while also spending some of his free time at The Bait Shop Liquor Store. This was unfortunately short lived as he was soon unable to leave the farm.  

Joe was known for his amazing one liners, his ability to make you laugh and possessing the ability to fix just about anything. He was truly a jack of all trades—but more importantly, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandpa, loyal friend, and the kind of person you could always count on.

He was reunited in death with his parents, Howard and Sylvia Rusk; his brother, Mark Rusk, his sister-in-law Sue Rusk and brother-in-law Gary Killingsworth.

Joe’s memory will live on in the heart of his beloved wife, Dorothy Rusk of Ottawa, KS; his children, Joshua Rusk and wife Cassandra of Princeton, KS, Sylvia Casady and husband John of Bella Vista, AR, and Daniel Rusk and wife Rendi of Ottawa, KS; his stepmother Sharon Rusk; his siblings, Mitch (Carol) Rusk, Rod Rusk, Bill Rusk, Jeff Rusk, Karri Killingsworth, Sherri (Steve) Wronski, Donna (John) Brooks, and Beth Montgomery; and his seven grandchildren, Abigail, Abel, Rhettley, Arthur, Jase, Stedson, and Anne, who brought him endless joy and pride.

Joe’s hands built homes and memories that will last generations, his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave and the lives he touched.

In honor of Joe’s avid love of the Kansas City Chiefs, we are requesting everyone wear their Chiefs gear to have one last tailgate with Joe.  

Family will welcome friends at 11:00 a.m. with an informal celebration of life service to follow at 1:00 p.m., Saturday November 22, 2025 at the Princeton Community Center Building located at 1449 US-59, Princeton, KS 66078. The Family will provide a tailgate lunch to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joel Rusk Memorial Fund and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com

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