Shanley Community Celebrates Life Of Teacher

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 A community comes together to remember a beloved high school teacher in Fargo.

Hundreds of people gathered at Shanley High School to celebrate the life of Randall Rustad who died this past Saturday.

Randall Rustad’s career spanned nearly 30 years at Shanley High School leaving behind a legacy.

“He showed all of his students and athletes that life should be fun, he did everything with a pure joy and enjoyment and he also taught us that you have to be willing to laugh at yourself,” said Randall’s son Lucas Rustad.

Hundreds cried and laughed as they helped celebrate Rustad’s life.

“If my dad were here right now he’d wonder why aren’t the students in class,” said Lucas Rustad.

Rustad wore many hats in his career, teaching social studies and PE and coaching.
At one point he was athletic director.

“He was the consummate teacher first of all, master teacher. Professional in the sense that he was the very best absolutely and an amateur in the literal sense of the word that he loved teaching,” said Rustad’s Colleague Mike Hagstrom.

We talked with him back in 2001 when he helped a student make his way to D.C. and even then he showed his dedication to his students.

“I don’t think there’s anything you can ask him about the seven articles or the 27 amendments that he couldn’t give you a pretty good response or an interpretation on,” said Rustad 15 years ago.

It was known he was an excellent teacher who could take higher paying jobs.

“Randall had many opportunities to leave Shanley, to go onto a more lucrative job offer but he never did,” said Father Charles LaCroix.

“At the end of the day he was not just my dad he was my best friend. I would like to thank everyone for coming today and celebrating his life with me and my family,” said Lucas Rustad.

Rustad will be buried at the Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo.