Rally for Rusty Hilst

06/17/2026

It was one year ago today that Rusty died. He’s now in heaven. His ashes are scattered. His home has new owners. His many beloved possessions are being utilized and cherished by family members, friends, and those who purchased them at his estate sale. The black “number” box that sat on his desk now sits on my desk, and serves as a daily reminder of him and his indomitable spirit.

I thought ALS was the worst possible disease. Now I know it is not. In part this is due to my son’s Yale football coach now fighting Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). But mainly it is due to my experience of watching Rusty battle ALS. He faced this disease with much courage, grace, and optimism. Rusty kept his extraordinary intellect and ability to communicate to the very end. He had a great life, which he continued to enjoy to the last. He was truly inspiring to me and so many others.

ALS served as the impetus for me to make numerous trips to Hutchinson over Rusty’s 2 ½ year battle with the disease. This was a huge blessing to me, as it allowed me to spend a lot of very precious time with my older brother. We watched “Suits” together. We cheered the Chiefs to victory in the Super Bowl in 2024. He taught me how to win at Ken-Ken (an online math game) and introduced me to the fun of playing many other online games. We had both quantity and quality of time together. These trips had the added bonus of allowing me to spend time with my other wonderful siblings and their families.

ALS also allowed me to get to know some of Rusty’s great friends. I love this picture of him with his Saturday morning Prairie Dunes group of friends. It was my great privilege and pleasure to get to know these compassionate and caring people. They really came through for him when he needed them. As did so many of you.

I am thankful for this page and the chronicle of his life that it provides. Its content allows me to see and hear Rusty speak, and to read his written words. It reminds me of him, and you, the many faithful and encouraging followers of his journey. Thanks for your caring and inspiring words and stories! Have a great life!
Rhonda

05/29/2026

https://vimeo.com/713808378?fbclid=IwY2xjawSGbhpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFtd3ZSV2F6Ykhua0plcXNNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMD

I got a "memories" video from Facebook today that shared this video of my brother Rusty that was posted four years ago today to Rusty's (and my) page(s). It brought tears to my eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and hope you do also. Rhonda

This is "Rusty Hilst" by Leanna Gleason on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

12/29/2025

Remembering Rusty on his 83rd Birthday (in heaven).

Many of you probably remember Rusty "retiring" from 50 years of broadcasting in 2019 and and the great article and pictures that appeared in The Hutchinson News. Rusty was gifted a fantastic wooden plaque displaying the featured article (along with a "Thank you for your 50 years of play by plays" inscription) which he displayed in his fireplace room. It now graces the wall of my office and serves as a lovely reminder of him and the many many hours I spent listening to and enjoying his broadcasts. If you want to read the article it is still available at https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/local/2019/03/03/goodnight-everybody-50-year-voice-of-salthawk-sports-signs-off/5771190007/

The computer monitor in my office shows a slide show of favorite personal pictures. I always smile when I see the photo of Rusty at Prairie Dunes with some of the people that meant so much to him. It was my great privilege to get to know these unbelievably caring and compassionate friends and to come to understand why he loved them so.

Rusty's legacy (and Banana Man, his golf books and golf hats, etc) is an inspiration to his great nephews, who will hopefully find similar joy in playing the game of golf. Rusty loved kids and dedicated his life to teaching them "life lessons" (as well as calculus and golf). He is remembered by me, and many others - today and every day.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to Rusty's multitude of family and friends!
Thanks for your love and support this past year.
Cheers from Rusty!

12/04/2025

(Photo courtesy The Medicine Shoppe) MARC JACOBSHutch Post The Me

12/02/2025

The Medicine Shoppe Is honoring Rusty with their new vehicle wrap on their delivery jeep. Rusty was both a long time customer and supporter in the broadcast booth. He even taught the owners daughter and now store pharmacist while at HHS. Thank you Medicine Shoppe for remembering Rusty.

09/13/2025

Video from Friday's Broadcast Booth dedication in Rusty's Honor.

09/13/2025

Broadcast Booth at Gowans Stadium Dedicated in Rusty's Honor

A couple of photos from the dedication, including Rusty's brother, Kent, and nieces and nephews Kinsley Riggs, Cody Riggs, Meg Hilst and HHS girls basketball coach Kalen Hilst with the plaque honoring Rusty's broadcasting career.

Read more about dedication at the Hutch Post https://hutchpost.com/posts/1a1a5d6d-482d-4d85-ba8a-87653808189f

09/12/2025

Just a quick update - Rusty's house has a pending contract with a closing date in October. We hope the new owner(s) love the home, yard, fish, and neighborhood as much as Rusty did! Also, today (Friday, Sept 12, 2025) at noon the broadcast booth at Gowan's Stadium in being dedicated to Rusty and named for him. I know Rusty would have been so humbled and proud!

Send a message to learn more

08/29/2025

Rusty's house is now on the market. Please share with anyone you know who might be interested and reach out to your realtor for a showing.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16uLY6HNCS/

This 1675 square feet Single Family home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It is located at 59 Meadowlark Ln, Hutchinson, KS.