Roger Bales

Rusty L. Bales, age 66 of Darlington, WI formerly of Knoxville, IA passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington. He was born November 1, 1957, in Knoxville, IA the son of Roger and Jane Bales. He graduated from Melcher-Dallas High School in 1976 and attended Simpson College in Indianola, IA. He was united in marriage to Margaret Bales on May 3rd, 1980. Rusty and Margaret and their two children Nick and Val became a four-person team as they traveled the country and lived in multiple states as Rusty pursued his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs where he proudly worked for 33 years. Rusty is survived by his wife Margaret at home; two children: Nicholas (Jessica) Bales of Topeka, KS, Valarie (Steve) Kazda, DeForest, WI; 7 grandchildren: Rachel, Jack, Katy, Leigha, Wyatt, Weston and Ellie and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers; John and Scott Bales. Rusty was an avid outdoorsman and traveled to a wide range states and multiple countries in pursuit of his passion for hunting. He cherished time spent with family and friends. He especially appreciated time spent with his grandchildren and there is nothing he loved more than sitting in a deer blind with the boys or shooting pool with the girls. Rusty was known for his quick wit and being the life of the party. He was loved and the memories he made with family and friends are and forever will be cherished.