William S. Ruschak

William S. Ruschak, age 90, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2024. He was born August 29, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan; son of Stephan and Anastasia (Moscheck) Ruschak. After graduating from Detroit Pershing High School, Bill proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving as an Air Control Tower Operator for 4 years. He spent considerable time stationed in Korea and Japan, as well as in Mississippi and Texas. Following his honorable discharge from the USAF, Bill pursued his studies at Western Michigan University where he met the love of his life, Berclay A. Olmstead of Ludington, Michigan. Bill earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from WMU and remained a proud Bronco for the rest of his life. Berclay and Bill were united in marriage on August 26, 1961. They spent over 62 years dedicated to each other, raising their sons, and enjoying life with family and friends.

After graduation from WMU, Bill began work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, which started his long and accomplished career in the insurance industry. In 1964 they relocated to Green Bay, Wisconsin where Bill served as a Property and Casualty agent for Liberty Mutual. In 1969 they moved to Northville, Michigan when Bill joined R. L. Jones and Associates, eventually becoming a Partner in the firm. R. L. Jones was acquired by Corroon & Black and Bill progressed to become a Senior Vice President with the company until his retirement in 1997. He relished being a trusted advisor for his clients who were successful businesses across Southeastern Michigan and beyond. Bill also enjoyed being the mentor to many insurance professionals with whom he worked.

Bill was an active member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity during his time at Western Michigan University. Additionally, he held lifelong memberships at the Plymouth Elks Lodge 325 and the VFW Post 4012 in Northville. He was also a former member of the Western Golf and Country Club in Redford, Michigan. A talented tennis player, Bill enjoyed the sport until the age of eighty-four. Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. His legacy continues to thrive in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Bill is survived by loving wife Berclay; his sons, Stephen (Kristin) Ruschak and Michael (Amy) Ruschak; his brother-in-law Clay (Margurite) Olmstead; and his grandchildren, Nicholas, Kaitlin, Claire, Dylan, and Alexander. He was Uncle Bill to his nieces and nephews and large, extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved sister, Irene Zaleski.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Bill will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Angela Hospice , 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation , 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, New York 10306.