William Carl Rusch
William was the son of Maria Bauer only. William was given the last name Rusch, after Maria's marriage to Anton, though we don’t know if he was officially adopted by Anton. He was born in Germany in 1914 and immigrated to America in 1922 with Anton and Maria.
He primarily lived and grew up in Alsip and then married Vuriel and they lived in Chicago. They had two sons, Thomas and James Rusch. |
William way always pursuing interesting hobbies,
including building and flying an airplane and he enjoyed motorcycle riding as
well. He also built an ice boat and enjoyed firearm target shooting.
By trade he was an electrical welder (as noted in the U.S. Census documentation). For people that knew William, they knew he was more reserved, but always gentle and kind.
By trade he was an electrical welder (as noted in the U.S. Census documentation). For people that knew William, they knew he was more reserved, but always gentle and kind.
Pictured to the right, Bill (left) stand with his step-father Anton Rusch and brother-in-law Charles Otto Becker. The photo was likely taken some time in the 1940's during WWII, as both Bill and Charles are in uniform. It is unknown where Bill served in the military or what his experience was in the war.
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A Mysterious Man
While it was no secret that William was not the biological son to Anton Rusch, it was unknown who his biological father actually was. However, William's mother, Anna Maria, kept a small locket hidden from her family for her entire life - which might be a small clue as to who William's biological father was. This two-sided locket has a photo of Anna Maria on oneside and an unknown man on the otherside.
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Following Anna Maria's death, the locket was discovered by Williams' sister Irma. It was said, by Irma, that the mysterious man pictured on the locket may have been the biological father of William Bauer.
What happened to this man? Was he forced into WWI, never to return? Was he Anna Maria's true love? No one may ever find out who this man was, or why William's mother kept him a life-long secret.
What happened to this man? Was he forced into WWI, never to return? Was he Anna Maria's true love? No one may ever find out who this man was, or why William's mother kept him a life-long secret.