Stephen Rust Obituary

Stephen Carl Rust

Stephen Carl Rust, of Findlay, Ohio, left this earthly life peacefully, unexpectedly and suddenly on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026. He was born in Bryan, Ohio, July 25, 1952, living a life devoted to God, caring for his family and enjoying life to the fullest each day.

Stephen, or "Rusty" as he liked to be called in recent years, was born to the late Rev. Harold C. and Anna Heller Rust. The son of a pastor, he lived in Bryan, OH, Baltimore, MD, Wheeling, WV and then Oak Harbor, OH during his youth. After graduating from Triadelphia High School (Wheeling), he attended Capital University (Columbus). He met the love of his life, Joy Harrison Rust, at Capital University, where Stephen sang in the Men's Glee Club, and Joy was the accompanist! They celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 21, 2025.

He attended Trinity Seminary (Columbus, OH) and was ordained at St. John's Lutheran Church on June 18, 1978. He completed doctoral studies (ABD) at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Stephen served as a parish pastor at Nativity Lutheran Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (1978-1986); Redeemer Lutheran Church, Woodstock, IL (1986-2000); Macedonia Lutheran Church, Burlington NC (2000-2016).

Stephen delighted in the stories and successes of his three children and their families, Dr. Jennifer Ann Abbås (Douglas) of Kungälv, Sweden, John Carl Rust (Mivvi) of Birmingham, AL, and Joel William Rust of Durham, NC. Six grandchildren call him PaPa, Laney, Carly, Billy and Johnny Rust; Henry and Estella Abbås.

Stephen was the oldest of four children, and is survived by his wife, Joy; as well as siblings, Rev. Dr. Theodore Rust (Beverly), Andrew Rust (Jill), and Elizabeth Rust Windisch (Ray). He was loved by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who never knew what Uncle Steve might say or do to entertain them.

In June 2025, Stephen and Joy relocated to Findlay, Ohio, to be near family as his health struggles increased. In the past year, he spent many hours with his "brother by another mother," Dewayne Lipscomb of Burlington, NC, who provided loving care to Stephen both in NC and Ohio.

Stephen was an avid sportsman, loved attending sporting events, and was a diehard Pittsburgh fan.

He started a successful lawn business in 5th grade and added a paper route in 7th grade. He loved to sing, and from an early age, his beautiful voice was always a welcome addition to any choir – even if the choir was under Joy's leadership!

A Celebration of Life will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 109 East Lincoln Street, Findlay, OH 45840. A luncheon and time of sharing will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stephen's honor may be made to Alzheimer's Association for research or to First Lutheran Church elevator fund. Steve never said "goodbye"; it was always "see ya later." Well done, Stephen, good and faithful servant. In his words, "This isn't goodbye, it's see ya later."

Online condolences and memories may be shared with his family at barndtfuneralhome.org. A complete obituary is also found at barndtfuneralhome.org.