Rudolph A. “Rudy” Lustick, age 80, of E2792 Coaster Road, Trenary, MI died Wednesday August 29, 2007 surrounded by his family at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette after losing his battle with cancer.
Rudy, as he was known by friends and co-workers, was born November 28, 1926 in Trenary of immigrant parents Louis and Mary Oberstar-Levstik. They migrated from the Slovene province of Hapsburg, Austria. He was the ninth child of thirteen children. He attended school at Trenary and completed grade eight. He worked on the family farm until age eighteen. In November 1944 he enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines. He received training at Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY. He went to sea aboard wartime cargoships delivering war material to the Pacific war. Later years he served aboard military troopships as a butcher food service employee.
His Merchant Marine service ended in March 1955. He was proud of his service in the Merchant Marines. President Reagan, during his term in office, signed a law giving wartime Merchant Marines veteran status.
In 1955 he continued to work in meat markets in Flint, Michigan, Green Bay and Marquette. In 1964 he was hired at the Sawyer A.F.B. Commissary. He served as Foreman Meatcutter for fifteen of the twenty-three years, and he retired in 1987.
In retirement he visited New York, including the Trade Center. Ellis Island was of interest. His parents
Anonymous
I was saddened to read in the Mining Journal of Rudy’s passing. I worked at the K.I. Commissary in the early 70’s for a few years and got to know Rudy. I found him to be a pleasant interesting person and had many good conversations. I always enjoyed running into him over the years since than. More recently I saw him at Peter White Library in Marquette and had another good visit. My sympathy goes out to his family. He will surely be missed.
John S Mattis
Marquette, MI
Sincere sympathies from the Cummings family
Crystal Cummings Maynard
Wautoma, WI
Rudy was my supervisor for many years at the K.I.Sawyer Commissary, he was one of the hardest working people I knew. He was very soft spoken and had a beautiful smile. He spoke often of his voyages with the Merchant Marines. His conversations were very interesting. My sympathy goes out to Rudy’s family I will always remember him as a great boss.
Carol Contois
Sands, MI