Donald H. Rusch, wildlife ecologist, dies at 60

Donald H. Rusch, 60, a wildlife ecologist at UW–Madison, died after suffering a heart attack Sunday, Sept. 12 while hunting grouse in the badlands of North Dakota with his wife and three bird dogs.

Rusch was born on Dec. 22, 1938, the son of Earnest Otto Rusch and Gertrude Bronold Rusch of Menasha, Wis. He received a bachelor’s from UW–Madison, a master’s in wildlife biology from Utah State University and a doctorate from the Department of Wildlife Ecology at UW–Madison.

He began his professional career as a wildlife biologist for the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources, authoring the Manitoba Waterfowl Plan. In 1974, he accepted the position of leader of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Unit, joining the graduate faculty at UW–Madison. During his 25-year tenure in this position, he guided the research of numerous graduate students in wildlife studies and provided technical advice and assistance to federal and state agencies.

In recognition of his leadership role in goose research and management, he was awarded the U.S. Department of Interior Meritorious Service Award and the Ducks Unlimited Wetlands Conservation Achievement Award. This year he was awarded the Touchstone Award by the Wildlife Management Institute.

He was the foremost living authority on ruffed grouse, and has been recognized for his many contributions. He has authored or co-authored more than 140 scientific books and papers and is internationally known for his expertise. He has served in leadership capacities in the Wildlife Society and has professional relations with many organizations including the Wildlife Management Institute, Ducks Unlimited, Ruffed Grouse Society and the Mississippi Flyway Council.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Ann, of Cambridge, Wis; his daughter, Jennifer, of Madison; his brother, Steven Michael of West Bend; and a sister, Judy Maertz, of Pound, Wis. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Grace Lutheran Church in Cambridge. A gathering will follow the services.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, at Nitardy Funeral Home, Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to: Donald H. Rusch Memorial Fund, C/O University of Wisconsin Foundation, P.O. Box 8860, Madison, WI 53708-8860. The Donald H. Rusch Memorial Fund will be used for biological research and education.