Norman A. Rustad

Norman A. Rustad, age 93, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024. He was born to Carney and Frances Rustad in Anaconda, MT on December 24, 1930.  Norman grew up in Anaconda, MT and proudly served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955.

On January 7, 1956, Norman married Joan Tonkin and they were fortunate to have celebrated over 68 years of marriage. Together they raised their four children, MaryAnn, David, Lori, and Diane. Norman worked at the Butte Anaconda and Pacific Railroad for over 40 years. He started as a Gandy Dancer and then, after the retirement of his father in law, became the Chief Timekeeper until his retirement in 1991. After retirement he and Joan spent many years taking bus tours around the United States.

Norman’s greatest love was watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. They lovingly referred to him as “Grandpa Great.” He spent a lot of time building and fixing homes, bikes, and cars for his grandchildren, and enjoyed watching and attending their sports and activities. 

In 2023, sadly, Norman was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Beau Dessing. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Carney and Frances; parents-in-law, Arthur and MaryAnn Tonkin; and siblings, Gene Rustad, Kenneth Rustad, Joyce Johnson, Leonard Rustad, and Carney Rustad.

Norman is survived by his wife, Joan; sister, Carol Grubich; children, MaryAnn Bayers (Rich), David Rustad (Laura), Lori Kopp (John), and Diane Brunell (Gary); 10 grandchildren, Kristin Berreth (Jason), Britt Bayers (Blair), David Obie (Kayla), Kaila Dessing (Craig), Lindsay Hruby (James), Kalista Wilson (Chris), Jamie Hibbert (Derek), Jessie Crawshaw (Cory), Jeanna Brunell, and Ashley Rustad; and 14 great-grandchildren who were the light of his life. He is also survived by two nieces and a nephew that held a special place in his heart, Carrie Lockhart and family, Brenda Phillips and family, and Dennis and Julie Tonkin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on May 21, 2024, at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home, 107 Oak St., Anaconda, followed by a graveside service with military honors at New Hill Cemetery in the Veteran section. Cookies and refreshments will be provided at the funeral home following the graveside service. 

Memorials in honor of Norman can be made to the Anaconda Pintler Hospice, 118 East 7th St., Anaconda, MT 59711, or to Metcalf Senior Center, 115 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Anaconda, MT 59711.

Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Norman.