Leonard "Rusty" R. Pitt

Leonard “Rusty” Pitt, 68 of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020 at his home.  Rusty was born on November 23, 1951 to Iona and Lou Pitt.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Iona and step-father, Russell, his father, Lou, sister, Leona Renee Belt and brother, Lou. 

Rusty is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie, who he married on July 8, 1978 and he shared his life with her for 42 years, his son, Leonard “Lenny” (Michelle), four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, his daughter, Tracy (Bob Kitzman) Pitt, and two grandsons, Casey and Hunter Schilling.  He is further survived by his siblings; Lucy (Mike) Tuller, Larry (Mary) Palmer and Krystal Sawyer, sister-in-law, Cindy (Dale Schmidt) Thom, two brothers-in-law, Randy Coggon and John (Tammy) Coggon, nieces, nephews and relatives.

Rusty started working at 12 years old in 1963 delivering the Good Morning newspaper in Whitewater and received a penny a paper for each of the 175 papers on his route which was 6 miles long. He then worked for two years at the hamburger joint, McNiels.  At 18 years old, he went to work for himself doing siding as L.P. Aluminum until the age 23.  He worked for Jerry Vannoy doing farm drainage tile for 14 years.  Rusty then worked for Amons of Elkhorn running a back hoe for 18 years. Next, he worked for the Power Plant in Oak Creek for 3 ½ years and then 1 ½ years for Walsh. Rusty retired at the age of 59 and started selling pellets and shavings.

Rusty was a lifelong member of First English Lutheran Church of Whitewater.  In his younger years, he served as an acolyte. Rusty enjoyed riding his Harley with Bonnie at his side and his many Harley friends.  He enjoyed getting to know his customers and felt they were not just customers, but they were his friends.  He was a workaholic and continued to work throughout his cancer up until the day he died. Rusty was so proud of Tracy’s choice of profession as a Heavy Equipment Operator in Local 139 which Rusty was a member of as well. Rusty and Bonnie were sad to see Lenny leave Whitewater, however he graduated college with high honors in LaCrosse as a Computer Support Specialist and raised his family there. Rusty loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed sharing his wealth of knowledge on various tools, equipment, driving and projects with Casey. He shared his love of Harleys with Casey whom he strapped to the Harley in a car seat as a baby.  Casey will carry on Rusty’s love as he rides Rusty’s Ultra Classic Dresser which Rusty gave to him a few months ago to carry on his legend.  Hunter was a twinkle in Poppy’s eye and learned to drive a lawn mower and 4 wheeler for his Poppy.

Rusty is now pain free and riding his Harley to Heaven. Think of him as you look into the sky and see the white smoke from his Harley as he races to Heaven.  We will always remember his smile, which was contagious, his laughter that could brighten the darkest days and his courage.  Rusty’s only fear of dying was leaving his wife, Bonnie.  He will always be deep within her heart and she will always be his Girlfriend.

Memorial Service will be held 6:00PM on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory, 730 N. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI with Pastor Jerald Wendt officiating.  Visitation will be 4:00PM until service time Thursday at the funeral home.  If you plan on attending services, please remember to wear a face mask and adhere to social distance guidelines.  Online guest book at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.  Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory completed arrangements for the Pitt Family.

To watch the Live Stream of Rusty's Service, please use link below.