Russell Irwin “Rusty” Grashoff, 81, of Cherokee passed away on July 30, 2026, at Accura Rehab in Cherokee.
Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 3, at Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee. Burial was in Afton Township Cemetery, rural Cherokee. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Rusty was born on Nov. 4, 1944, in Aurelia, to parents Albert and Alma (Matzdorff) Grashoff. He attended Aurelia Community School. He married Doris Lucille Smith on Oct. 11, 1964, and they shared 61 wonderful years together. Together they raised three children: Dolan Albert, Brandon Irwin and Valarie Ilene. Rusty was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and lifelong farmer. Farming wasn't just his occupation, it was his way of life, and he took great pride in providing for his family and caring for the farm he called home.
Rusty, along with his wife, owned and operated a farm by Quimby, as well as his current farm by Cherokee. He also worked at Cherokee Mental Health in his younger years. He worked at Thermogas in Cherokee, where he gained some treasured friendships. He owned and operated Grashoff Plumbing and Heating in Aurelia. He worked in the maintenance department at Cherokee Regional Medical Center until he retired. He was also a mechanic on his own vehicles, and his preference was Fords. But farming was always his true calling.
He was a steady source of strength, wisdom and encouragement to those who knew him. As a husband, he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. As a father, he led by example, teaching the values of hard work, integrity and kindness. As a grandfather, he found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren, creating memories they will treasure forever. He enjoyed working with wood and making treasured projects with Doris for their grandsons. This included rocking horses, toy boxes and marble runs.
One of Rusty's profound joys was traveling. There were many trips with his family along with other relatives over the years. One of his highlights was going to Alaska several times and taking a different grandchild with him.
Rusty spent a lot of time with friends and enjoyed card club as well as his antique tractor rides with his son, Dolan. He was a devoted member of the Cherokee County Fair Board for many years. Rusty will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, unwavering work ethic and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he touched and the countless memories shared with those who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his son Dolan; grandson Andy; parents, Albert and Alma Grashoff; in-laws, George and Letha Smith; sisters: Kathleen Allen, Karol White, Laurine Kludas and infant sister Ramona; brothers, Boyd Grashoff and Ray Grashoff; along with other family members and friends.
He is survived by his wife Doris; his son Brandon (Laura) Grashoff; daughter Valarie (Perry) Berge; daughter in law Lisa Grashoff (Delbert) Phillips; and seven grandchildren: Alex Grashoff, Adam Grashoff, Steven (Katie) Berge, Jared (Emma) Berge, Joshua Berge, Nathan (Eden) Berge; and two great-grandchildren, Roselen and Emmet.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
