Joseph Rogers Thysell Jr. (Rusty) died unexpectedly in his home September 24rd 2022, in Thibodaux, LA.
Rusty was born on April 28, 1954 in Gridley, California to Opal (Taylor) and Joseph Rogers (Rod) Thysell. His family moved to Brookings South Dakota in 1965 where he graduated from Brookings High School. His undergraduate degrees were from the University of SD in Vermillion and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. He completed his doctorate at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
Rusty was proud to be a veteran. He served in the US Air Force in England for 5 years.
Rusty (Dr Thysell) had taught at the Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA for many years and had recently retired.
He loved reading and was an avid Civil War historian….he enjoyed visiting Civil War battlefields. He was a lifelong Democrat and always enjoyed a friendly political discussion. His 2 cats Joe Biden and Barack Obama kept him constant company.
He is survived by his sister Karen Borsay in Springfield, Mo, nephews Tim Vandall and Toby Vandall, and niece Marybeth Kleinsasser, and sister Anne Hegna in Sun City, Az and nieces Traci Roberts-Kreuziger and Elissa Antell.
According to his wishes, he will be buried next to his parents in Mandan, ND.
Rusty was a really ‘Cool’ guy. He ran his air conditioner year round ! LoL….Rusty had a great sense of humor, even if you were picking at him ! I say that because of the number of times he allowed me to address him as either ‘Charlie Brown’ # 2 or ‘Dennis the Menace’ due to his panache for ‘STriped shirts. He was also one of the most intelligent and humble people I ever met. What a combo. A friend to man and animal, Rusty doted on his pet cats like most care for their children. Rusty was a man who enjoyed his own company but could on occasion,be persuaded to visit with you for a little while. Rusty was physically short in height but definitely tall in character and heart !
Rusty,
I will miss our fun times eating Chinese, going to Miss State football games, and talking about history. We miss you!
Karen, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. You have my sincere sympathy. God bless you and your families.