Russell D. “Rusty” Cummins, age 61, a lifelong resident of Tekonsha, died at Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo May 31,2022 where he was taken after being stricken unexpectedly. His loving family was by his side throughout his final care.
Services are entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N., Marshall, MI 49068.
Please check back to the website as service times and location will be announced as soon as confirmed, tentatively set for Friday and Saturday, June 17 and 18.
Rusty was born on August 30, 1960, in Coldwater to William E. and Betty Jean (Upston) Cummins. He grew up in Tekonsha attending Tekonsha schools. While in high school he enjoyed playing high school team sports. He graduated from Tekonsha High School in 1978.
He met Janice L. Krumvede during her senior year at Tekonsha High School. Rusty and Jan were united in marriage on Valentine’s Day February 14, 1981. They have been the love of each other’s lives these past 41 years, enjoying a loving and fruitful marriage.
After high school Rusty worked as a truck driver. He worked for the Village of Tekonsha for 15 years being sure the village’s streets and infrastructure were well maintained and cared for.
He became a firefighter with the Tekonsha Fire Department in 1985. Rusty served in different officer positions eventually being promoted to Chief. He still served as a Reserve Firefighter. During his career he became a Michigan Licensed Basic Emergency Medical Technician. He took countless Michigan Firefighter Training Council classes and Basic EMT Continuing Education Classes to improve his knowledge and skills. He lived a life of service to his community.
Rusty started with serving the Marshall Firefighter’s Ambulance Service in 1996. After an ambulance was first stationed at the Tekonsha Fire Department, Rusty and his brother Daryl were the first crew to respond it to an emergency in their community. Rusty was a full-time employee for many years with MAFFAA. He was an American Heart Association CPR instructor who taught or helped teach many people CPR over the years. Rusty was a respected, brave, and skilled first responder who made a difference.
He was active in Boy Scouts of America the majority of his life. He earned the rank of Star Scout, which only 2% of all BSA members earn. In adulthood Rusty was an Assistant Scout Master then Scout Master.
Rusty was a member of the Tekonsha Lions Club. He earned the 11 Gallon Donor Pin from the American Red Cross. Rusty liked to collect fire department memorabilia. He was a renowned dog lover! Rusty loved to hunt and fish around Tekonsha. Rusty enjoyed a lifetime of camping at Quality and Potawatomi campgrounds.
What will never be doubted is his love of and pride in his family. He shared stories of Jan, Jesse and Justin with a big grin and sparkle in his eye that left no doubt!
Rusty is survived by his beloved wife Jan and their sons Justin D. and Jesse D. Cummins all of Tekonsha; his mother-in-law Barbara A. (Iles) Krumvede; his brother Daryl (Vickie) Cummins of Tekonsha; his twin sister Sandra (Fred) Stephens of Homer; brother-in law Jeff L. Krumvede and sister-in-law Julie L. (John Carroll) Krumvede of Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Betty J. (Upston) Cummins, father William E. Cummins, father-in-law Gerald L. Krumvede, sister Sherry L. Ankney, brothers William E. and Calvin L. Cummins, his grandmothers Viola Upston, Viola Wonders and Gladys Iles.
The family suggests contributions in Rusty’s memory be made to the Tekonsha Volunteer Firefighters Association, 166 Spires Parkway, Tekonsha, MI 49092. They can be mailed there or left at the funeral home.
To sign the online guest register and leave the family a message please visit https://kempffuneralhome.com .
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