Lawrence T. 'Rusty' Demeules

Rusty, an extraordinary individual known for his unwavering dedication to family, friends, business, and community, passed away on May 26, 2023, at the age of 88. Rusty's legacy will continue to inspire and touch the lives of those who knew him. Born on August 17, 1934, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rusty grew up with a passion for making a difference. He graduated from DeLaSalle high school in June of 1953 and was drafted into the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. Rusty pursued higher education and eventually became the sole owner of Standard Iron & Wire, a family business he dedicated his life to. His commitment and perseverance led to decades of success and growth before retiring in 1996. Alongside his business achievements, Rusty made significant contributions to the community through his active involvement in various organizations. He possessed a genuine desire to make a positive impact, leaving a lasting legacy. He was married to Joan B. Frederick until her passing in 1995 and they raised four sons together. In 1996, Rusty married Mary Beth Dols and they both found happiness once again. They enjoyed many precious moments and pursued shared passions, making many wonderful friends, especially in their community of Pelican Sound where they lived for the last 23 years. He was known for his wood turning, giving wood bowls, wine stoppers, and charcuterie boards to many, and as a talented fixer, Rusty's resourcefulness and ability to repair anything for anybody endeared him to countless people in the community. Rusty was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents Heine and Lucie, his sisters Margret and Patricia Budzynski, and his brothers Fr. Donald and David. He is survived by his devoted wife of 26 years, Mary Beth, and his children: Bob (Marge), Bill (Julie), Joe (Jane), and Rich (Suzanne). He is also remembered fondly by Mary's daughters Catherine (Rob) and Liz (Sean), his eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Rusty will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Michaels Catholic Church 11300 Frankfort Parkway NE St. Michael, MN 55376. Visitation starts at 10:00 AM. In memory of Rusty, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida, Inc. (parkinsonassociationswfl.org) or the Hope Parkinson Program (hopeparkinson.org). Condolences: ShikanyFuneralHome.com.