Helen Dziatlik Rusk, Artist, May 16^th, 2020

Helen Dziatlik Rusk, 95, passed on May 16, 2020 at Agrace Hospice Care in Madison, Wisconsin. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Anna and Peter Dziatlik in 1925, young Helen, along with her brother Edward, worked alongside their parents in their various Chicagoland restaurants.

Helen attended The Art Institute of Chicago on a scholarship, later graduating from Iowa State University. In 1950, Helen married Albert John Rusk and relocated to Racine, Wisconsin. Her surviving family includes Charles Rusk of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Candyce Rusk of Austin, Texas, Michael Rusk (Cathy Farrin) of Lodi, Wisconsin, Cheryl Armstrong (Don) of Wheaton, Illinois, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Helen acted as chief Dietitian for the Lincoln Lutheran Home System and the Southern Wisconsin Center for three decades while raising her family. Albert Rusk passed away in 1998.

An artist all of her life, Helen was a Founding Member of the Racine Art Guild, serving as president from 1961 to 1963, and a Charter member of the Starving Artist’s Fair, now in its 53^rd year. Through the RAM-Wustum Museum of Fine Arts Outreach Program, Helen introduced young students to the wonder of art making. She equally imbued her own children with an appreciation of the cultural arts, cooking and nature, including the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Racine Quarry, where for two decades, she swam at dawn with the Quarry Rats, nine mid-aged and hardy women. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and art fairs in Racine, Milwaukee, and Chicago.

The family is deeply grateful for the dedication of many health professionals who cared and advocated for Helen throughout her journey. Over the years, Helen resided at the Atrium and Baypoint Assisted Living in Racine, New Perspectives assisted living and memory care in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and finally at the inpatient unit at Agrace Hospice Madison, Wisconsin for end of life care. Heartfelt gratitude to Heather, Ann Marie and the very dedicated Agrace team who helped Helen maintain dignity and spirit through her transition.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Racine Art Museum-Wustum Outreach Education Arts fund, in memory of Helen Rusk.

Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral & Cremation Service

Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400

www.newcomerfh.com