Andrew Elliott Rusticus - In Memory

Andrew Elliott Rusticus

June 20, 1982 —February 25, 2012

The Trinity Christian College community is mourning the loss of alumnus Andrew Elliott Rusticus, age 29. Rusticus died of an apparent heart attack on Saturday, February 25, leaving behind his wife Michelle and his daughters, three-year-old Baylee Noel and three-month-old Libby Grace.  He is also survived by his parents, Roland and Mary; brothers, Jeremy and Lisa (Evan, Ayana), Alex and Emily; parents-in-law, Tom and Carlene Cooke; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Jenn and Brent (Grady, Anna, Tate, Millie) Mingerink, Stephanie and Brad (Addison, Mckayla) Sterk, Heather and Dan DeBoer, Misha and Tanya; numerous grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and many dear friends and relatives.

Rusticus was a 2005 graduate of Trinity who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and psychology. He was honored with the Sociology Department’s Award in 2005 and qualified for the Dean’s List. While at Trinity, Rusticus interned for the Chicago Police Department and after his graduation, he was hired as a police officer in Woodridge, Illinois. Rusticus applied his faith to every aspect of his job—in his style of work, in his attitude, and in his Christian interaction with others. He is remembered fondly by Dr. Brad Breems, professor of sociology,  “Andy was one of the finest students I ever had; a humble and caring Christian, studious, compassionate, and careful, with a deep Reformed current always running through his analysis. All who knew Andy, including me, will miss this simply outstanding young man.”

During the three and a half years Rusticus served with the Village of Woodridge Police Department, he was awarded for valor for arresting a suspect who shot at officers; given a lifesaving award for performing CPR on an infant; and received two commendation awards for professional responses to criminal incidents. Rusticus joined the Grand Rapids Police Department in April 2009. He was jogging on Saturday afternoon around 2 p.m. as part of a training regimen for an upcoming canine handler position physical agility test with the department. A neighbor found him collapsed on the edge of the road near his home on Pheasant Run Drive north of Dorr, Michigan. He was pronounced dead at Metro Health Hospital at 7:08 p.m.

Visitation was held on February 29 at Cook Funeral and Cremation Services. The funeral service was held on March 1 at Dorr Christian Reformed Church in Michigan.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guestbook at www.cookfamilycares.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to help with the cost of a Christian education for his daughters, Baylee and Libby. 

The Trinity Alumni Board encourages alumni and friends who wish to give a gift to do so online or by check via one of the following options:

By Mail:
Thin Blue Line of Michigan
TBL/FBO Michelle Rusticus 
P.O. Box 415
Howell, MI 48844-0415

Online:
http://www.andyslittleangels.com/

 
In Person:
at Trinity Christian College in the donation box at the front desk of the 2nd floor of the Huizenga Library.

If you have any questions, please contact Travis Bandstra, director of alumni relations, at 708.239.4854 or travis.bandstra@trnty.edu.