September 2, 1940 – January 22, 2026
Clifford Dale “Dale” Rustad, born September 2, 1940, in Rushford, Minn., passed away peacefully at The Waters on Mayowood in Rochester, Minn., surrounded by family.
Dale was born to Clifford and Dora Rustad and grew up on a farm in rural Rushford, Minn., where he attended, was baptized and confirmed at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. Dale was an active member of 4-H growing up. At the age of eight, he was stricken with polio. His life was saved through care at Mayo Clinic, an experience that profoundly shaped his future and inspired a lifelong connection to the institution. Dale graduated from Rushford High School in 1958.
On November 17, 1962, Dale married Rebecca Elaine “Becky” Olson at Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson, Minn. Together they shared 60 years of marriage marked by devotion, faith and family.
Dale and Becky raised their three sons: Chris, Jim and Dan,in Rochester, Minn. His family was his greatest pride. A man of quiet strength and deep faith, Dale was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester and La Casa de Christo Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Dale devoted 53 years of his professional life to Mayo Clinic, from 1960 to 2013. He served in many roles during his career, with his longest tenures as general manager of the Mayo Foundation House and in the Department of Development, working on both the Rochester and Arizona campuses. Dale also provided staff support to the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees for 40 years, never missing a meeting. His work reflected deep gratitude and loyalty to Mayo Clinic’s mission – values rooted in the care he received there as a child.
In recognition of his service and character, Dale received numerous honors, including Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and a Paul Harris Fellow recognition for his commitment to polio eradication, a Mayo Clinic Individual Award for Excellence, and a 1999 award from the United States Secret Service for outstanding assistance and support on behalf of the protective responsibilities of the United States Secret Service. Dale also served on the board of the Mayo Clinic Employees Credit Union.
Dale was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins and enjoyed attending games in Minnesota as well as Major League Baseball Cactus League spring training games in Arizona while he and Becky lived there.
Dale had a beautiful Tenor II voice and sang in church and in the Rochester Male Chorus.
Following retirement in 2013, Dale and Becky lived in Scottsdale, Ariz., before returning to Minnesota, where they enjoyed time in Northfield and Rochester.
Dale was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Known as “Grandpa” to his three grandchildren: Haakon, Ingrid, and Theo– he took great joy in watching them grow and in attending their many activities. He valued hard work, humility, and integrity, and cherished time spent with family.
Dale is survived by his three sons: Chris Rustad (Jennifer, Cole, Ava) of Rochester; Jim Rustad of Waconia, Minn.; and Dan Rustad (Anna Lisa) of Northfield, Minn.; and grandchildren Haakon of Decorah, Iowa, Ingrid, and Theo Rustad of Northfield. He is also survived by his brother Rick Rustad, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Becky Rustad, his parents, and his siblings Wayne Rustad and Gloria Ruen.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Waters on Mayowood and to Mayo Clinic Hospice for the compassionate care given to Dale.
Funeral services for Dale will be held at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Peterson, Minn., on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30-11 a.m. Interment will follow at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to: The Poverello Fund, Mayo Clinic Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0001.
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