March 4, 2023
March 4, 2023
All the Muehlenbachses will miss Uncle Roberts. He was an important figure the folklore of our little family.
Roberts Heinrichs Rusis, age 89, passed away peacefully in Mullica Hill, New Jersey on February 21, 2023. Roberts will be remembered for his love of family and his homeland, Latvia. Roberts was born in Riga, Latvia on September 5, 1933, to Armins Fridrihs Janis Rusis and Margarete Schortmann Rusis. Roberts, his brother, Armins Indrikis Rusis, and his parents were displaced persons during WW II living in Germany until their emigration to Washington, D.C. after the war. Roberts graduated from Eastern High School in 1951 and went on to study political science at George Washington University, graduating in 1956. Roberts joined Fraternity Lettonia in 1954, and was a passionate and active participant until his death. Roberts served in the U.S. Army before returning to law school at George Washington graduating in 1961. Roberts met his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Dagnija, in Saginaw Michigan in 1961 at a friend’s house during Thanksgiving, and were married in June of 1962.
Roberts and Dagnija raised their two children, Armins Rusis and Nora Rusis Meixner, in Ramsey, New Jersey. The Rusis family steadfastly participated in and supported Latvian religious and social events while being active in their local community. The family spoke Latvian at home and always valued their Latvian heritage and culture.
Roberts worked as a lawyer in the insurance industry, ultimately rising to General Counsel for Chubb Insurance in Warren, New Jersey. After his retirement, Roberts served as an advisor to the Bank of Latvia, helping his newly liberated homeland recover and flourish after nearly 50 years of Soviet occupation. Roberts was committed to supporting numerous organizations, and founded the Armins Rusis Scholarship Fund in memory of his father, University of Latvia, Class of 1929. He was a member of the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies, the American Bar Association, and the New York State Bar Association.
Roberts was preceded in death by his parents and brother, and is survived by loving wife, Dagnija. In addition to his children, Armins and Nora, he is survived by their loving spouses Cynthia (Armins) and Paul (Nora), and his adoring grandchildren; Amanda Meixner (25), Alexander Rusis (23), Silvija Meixner (23), Andrew Rusis (21) and Lilija Rusis (18). Roberts will also be dearly missed by his brother’s wife, Inita, and her son, Pauls (Becky).
Roberts was a passionate gardener, sharing this pastime with Dagnija. He followed the news, financial markets, and always had time to hear about the latest developments in his grandchildren’s lives. Roberts helped countless people with his charity, legal advice, and time. He was and will be loved.
Sit Tibi Terra Levis (let the earth be light for you)
Viewing: Friday, February 24, 2023
6:00-8:00pm
Fertig Funeral Home
63 North Main Street
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Viewing and Church Service: Saturday, February 25, 2023
Viewing: 12:00-12:45pm
Church Service: 1:00pm
Trinity United Methodist Church
284 Cedar Road
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
In lieu of flowers contributions in Roberts’ memory are welcome at:
Lettonia Scholarship Fund
Lettonia, Inc.
c/o Arnolds Tums
20 Bulkley Drive
Sudbury, MA 01776
Roberts and Dagnija raised their two children, Armins Rusis and Nora Rusis Meixner, in Ramsey, New Jersey. The Rusis family steadfastly participated in and supported Latvian religious and social events while being active in their local community. The family spoke Latvian at home and always valued their Latvian heritage and culture.
Roberts worked as a lawyer in the insurance industry, ultimately rising to General Counsel for Chubb Insurance in Warren, New Jersey. After his retirement, Roberts served as an advisor to the Bank of Latvia, helping his newly liberated homeland recover and flourish after nearly 50 years of Soviet occupation. Roberts was committed to supporting numerous organizations, and founded the Armins Rusis Scholarship Fund in memory of his father, University of Latvia, Class of 1929. He was a member of the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies, the American Bar Association, and the New York State Bar Association.
Roberts was preceded in death by his parents and brother, and is survived by loving wife, Dagnija. In addition to his children, Armins and Nora, he is survived by their loving spouses Cynthia (Armins) and Paul (Nora), and his adoring grandchildren; Amanda Meixner (25), Alexander Rusis (23), Silvija Meixner (23), Andrew Rusis (21) and Lilija Rusis (18). Roberts will also be dearly missed by his brother’s wife, Inita, and her son, Pauls (Becky).
Roberts was a passionate gardener, sharing this pastime with Dagnija. He followed the news, financial markets, and always had time to hear about the latest developments in his grandchildren’s lives. Roberts helped countless people with his charity, legal advice, and time. He was and will be loved.
Sit Tibi Terra Levis (let the earth be light for you)
Viewing: Friday, February 24, 2023
6:00-8:00pm
Fertig Funeral Home
63 North Main Street
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Viewing and Church Service: Saturday, February 25, 2023
Viewing: 12:00-12:45pm
Church Service: 1:00pm
Trinity United Methodist Church
284 Cedar Road
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
In lieu of flowers contributions in Roberts’ memory are welcome at:
Lettonia Scholarship Fund
Lettonia, Inc.
c/o Arnolds Tums
20 Bulkley Drive
Sudbury, MA 01776
Tributes
Leave a tribute
February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023
Our relationship with the Rusis family initiated with the marriage of our daughter Cynthia to Armins. Since then, this relationship has blossomed into one of friendliness, sharing and love.
My wife, Arlene and I, are deeply saddened by the passing of Roberts. In addition to being an outstanding and loving father and husband, a pillar and leader of his community, he was also a kind and thoughtful gentleman.
To the Rusis family and Dagnija, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
My wife, Arlene and I, are deeply saddened by the passing of Roberts. In addition to being an outstanding and loving father and husband, a pillar and leader of his community, he was also a kind and thoughtful gentleman.
To the Rusis family and Dagnija, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023
I was fortunate to be Roberts caregiver for a whole year he was such a wonder person he has taught me so much and always made sure I was ok we had our laughs together and also tears and I will miss him so dearly from the bottom of my heart
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
March 4, 2023
March 4, 2023
All the Muehlenbachses will miss Uncle Roberts. He was an important figure the folklore of our little family.
February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023
Our relationship with the Rusis family initiated with the marriage of our daughter Cynthia to Armins. Since then, this relationship has blossomed into one of friendliness, sharing and love.
My wife, Arlene and I, are deeply saddened by the passing of Roberts. In addition to being an outstanding and loving father and husband, a pillar and leader of his community, he was also a kind and thoughtful gentleman.
To the Rusis family and Dagnija, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
My wife, Arlene and I, are deeply saddened by the passing of Roberts. In addition to being an outstanding and loving father and husband, a pillar and leader of his community, he was also a kind and thoughtful gentleman.
To the Rusis family and Dagnija, please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023
I was fortunate to be Roberts caregiver for a whole year he was such a wonder person he has taught me so much and always made sure I was ok we had our laughs together and also tears and I will miss him so dearly from the bottom of my heart
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