Service Details
Visitation will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 15th, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. A procession will follow to Mound Cemetery Chapel where a service of remembrance will take place. For those who wish, please come with a short story or memory to share. A memorial luncheon will be held following the cemetery service.
Memorial Suggestions
In recognition for Rusty’s love for animals, memorials to “H.O.P.E. Safehouse” have been suggested.
Racine- Rusty (nee: Smith) Stirle, age 78, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, as the result of a brain aneurysm on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Ascension All Saints Hospital.
A lifetime resident, Rusty was born in Racine on March 24, 1947 to the late Robert and Rosalie (nee: Coberly) Smith. A 1965 graduate of Washington Park High School, she went on to earn her communications degree from University of Wisconsin – Parkside.
On October 14, 1989, Rusty was united in marriage with the love of her life, Gerald “Gerry” Stirle, who preceded her in death on June 21, 2009. Extremely talented and detail oriented, Rusty was a freelance stained glass artist. She had also worked for the Girl Scouts, R & S Meats and as a 911 dispatcher for Racine County.
Most always casual in flannel and a vest, Rusty had a great an appreciation for simplicity and the great outdoors. She enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, restoring & refinishing a good find, traveling with Gerry, music and was a passionate dog-mom. Above all, Rusty loved spending time with her entire family and extensive circle of friends.
Surviving are children, Patrick (Beth) Clark, Teresa (Mark Dunlap) Tutlewski-Smith, Michelle (Randy) Eschmann and Michael (Stacey Goetz) Stirle; grandchildren of whom all lovingly called her “Buddy”, Kailey Clark (Moriba) Diallo, Justin (Kayla) Olson, Emily (Casey) Engelhart, Allison Eschmann, Miranda & Mallory Stirle; great-grandson, Ryder Olson; brother, James Coberly (Irene) Smith; sister, Barbara Ann Smith; dear nephew, James Joseph Smith Burgess (Amanda); brother-in-law, Mark (Kathy) Stirle; sister-in-law, Jan (John) Dumas; goldendoodle boy, “Bucky”; other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
Rusty was preceded in death by her father, Robert Nelson Smith; mother, Rosalie Coberly Smith Sommer; step-father, Fred Sommer; husband, Gerald “Gerry” Stirle; beloved son , Erik Stirle; and by several golden retriever children.
Visitation will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 15th, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. A procession will follow to Mound Cemetery Chapel where a service of remembrance will take place. For those who wish, please come with a short story or memory to share. A memorial luncheon will be held following the cemetery service. In recognition for Rusty’s love for animals, memorials to “H.O.P.E. Safehouse” have been suggested.
Donna Runnels says
Rusty, I am so sorry to hear of your passing. As I prepare to move back to Racine, I planned to look you up. The last time I saw you was when you were kind enough to come to the funeral home for my mother. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk. I treasure the beautiful stained glass moose you created for me, one of your earlier creations. We had a lot of fun in dispatch. Charlie and I told stories about you. Give him a kiss for me.
Korah says
My deepest condolences. Awe, I’m so sorry..You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Annika Arzikovic says
I am so sorry for your loss. Rusty was an energetic fun loving lady. Try to remember all the good times. Now she is able to be with Gerry again. Keep the good times in your hearts .
May she rest in peace.
David Kinzer says
sorry for the families lose . she was a neighbor of mine and thoroughly enjoyed stopping and talking to her in her driveway. she was great neighbor and caring person. will be missed in the neighborhood
Chuck Daceno Jr. says
Rusty you were a wonderful, caring, and fun lady and will be greatly missed. Your talents as a stained glass artist were magnificent. Every time I would see you and Gerry, you both were always smiling and “happy” people! My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in eternal peace. Chuck Daceno Jr.