Nathan Edward Rust, 34

Nathan Edward Rust, 34, passed away after a strong and brave battle with cancer on May 13, 2024.

He was born on August 2, 1989, to Ron E. Rust and Gretchen M. (Olinger) Rust in Huntingburg, Indiana.

Nathan graduated from Southridge High School and attended the University of Southern Indiana. He then worked as an inside sales representative for Meyer Distributing, making lifelong friends along the way.

Nathan was known mostly for his big heart, his positive attitude and his smile. His joy was contagious. His genuine compassion is a ginormous loss to us all. Nathan never met a stranger, to him, everyone was a friend and he wanted to help anyone any chance he had, and he did.

Nathan’s passions were each their own addiction. From his motorcycle, to fishing, or his most recent obsession- his jeep. This was often a joke among family and friends, but his enthusiasm for each one was infectious, and you couldn’t help but love him for it. He reminded us all to enjoy life. But out of all of these, his biggest passion was his family.

Nathan cherished his role as a big brother to Jake who he often referred to as his best friend, we have some peace knowing they are now reunited and no doubt stirring things up in heaven. We also know without a doubt, they are watching Cops and Smokey and the Bandit on rerun. That’s a big 10-4, good buddy.

The love of his life, Amber, and their marriage brought him immeasurable happiness, they were nothing short of best friends, two halves that made a whole. Nathan was an amazing husband. He was adored by Amber; she often spoke of how thankful she was for him, how he never failed to support her dreams, the way he always helped without having to ask, he was the “finder of all things”, how he always made sure to protect her, with him she never felt safer or happier, most of all how he could make her laugh like no other. He adored her and he always made sure she knew it. To hear her speak of their life is to hear a story of absolute true love.

Nathan loved his role as a stepfather and he continuously worked to be a better role model for Emma, Cash, and Stella, there is nothing he wouldn’t do or be for them. There is not one person who would disagree. He loved each of them with his whole heart, just as if they were his own. He made it a point to have a special and unique relationship with each one of them. He wanted nothing more than to always give them everything they wanted, even if it was just a “yes” to another popsicle after bedtime, despite Amber saying, “no”. He loved doing anything to make them smile.

Amber and her kids will forever ache for the loss of the part that made them whole but know he will be watching over and protecting them for all their days. Finding his own way to help them carry on. Amber says she has already found him helping and there was no surprise because he said that’s how she would know he was still around and that’s just who he was, she has no doubt it’s him.

Nathan was an amazing son. He wanted nothing more than to make his parents happy. His parents were incredibly proud of the man he had become. He and his mom, Gretchen, were very close, often scheming in the best ways possible all-in good fun, you had to keep your eye on those two, this is one of many things Nathan loved about their relationship. And his dad, Ron, who never failed to text him every morning; it may have been about a side-by-side, but he was sure to never miss a day talking to his best friend. Nathan loved this more than his dad probably knew. He admired his dad and wanted nothing more than to be just like him. Nathan’s compassionate heart no doubt, came from his parents. Gretchen and Ron will undoubtedly miss him with every part of their soul.

Nathan’s friends feel this loss to their bones. They will forever miss Nathan’s sense of humor and his laughter. Remembering Nathan as one to always test the limits. Always knowing they could rely on Nathan being there for them, even if it was just emotional support because they all knew not to trust him with a tool. Nathan never pretended to be something he’s not. His friends appreciated this about him, they knew they would always get an honest opinion from him. He always wanted to celebrate their wins; he wanted them to know he was proud of them. Nathan will be remembered as one of those rare souls that you pray to be lucky enough to have in your friend group.

Nathan will be forever missed. The world was a better place because of him and sadder now without him. While we know he is no longer in pain, the selfish sides of us will always ache that he is no longer here and beg to have him back. Nathan touched all who met him, he will never be forgotten and will live on in the laughter and love of his family and friends.

Nathan is survived by his loving wife, Amber Rust; parents, Ron and Gretchen Rust; children, Emma, Cash, and Stella Kate; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends.

Nathan was preceded in death by his brother Victor “Jake” Rust; his grandparents LeeRay Olinger and Martha (Riester) Olinger and Don and Clara Faye (Heim) Rust.

Private Service for family and friends by personal invite only.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation located at 142 W 57th Street, Floor 11, New York, NY 10019 in honor of Nathan’s brother, Jake.