Doris Ann Rusch

Doris Ann Rusch (née Peterson) born 7/11/1942 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Dr Dean F. Peterson, Jr and Besse V. Peterson (née Carter) passed away peacefully at home 3/19/2026 in Sonoita, Arizona at the age of 83.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Jennifer L. (Mark) Wendt, her brother Dean F. Peterson III, her sister Linda Peterson, and her brother Nicholas (Gloria) Peterson.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Donald H. Rusch, her recent partner Bill Mitchell, and her sister Lucille Peterson.

Doris grew up in Colorado and Utah. She received a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Geology at Utah State University and a Master’s in Zoology and Ecology from University of Wisconsin -Madison. She met her husband, Don, at USU and they married in 1965.

She spent her career predominantly at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources where she used her biology education in the areas of wildlife conservation and management as well as in the acquisition, restoration, and management of thousands of state land acres. She was possibly the first woman to serve as a DNR wildlife manager and her colleagues labeled her a “trailblazer”. She was also an early promoter of the Women in Conservation movement. Throughout her years she was an avid hunter, sportswoman and adventurer, traveling extensively around the US and the world.

Doris was a lifetime member of the Wildlife Society, Ruffed Grouse Society, and an active member of a local Arizona Quail Hunters organization.

After retirement from state and county service, Doris returned to her talents as an artist in the field of wildlife and nature art with her lovely drawing, painting, stained glass, scratch boards, and other artistic media. In 2016 Doris moved to Sonoita, Arizona with her partner Bill Mitchell, where she resided until her death. Her art has been featured and sold at the Patagonia Trading Post as well as the Sonoita Steakout restaurant. She loved her home in Arizona, and the many friends and connections made there. For a time she served as a volunteer fire dispatcher for the Sonoita Fire Department.

Doris’s love, strength, and kindness will continue to resonate through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched. She will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

Doris wrote a profile about herself around 2012, which contains some wonderful detail about her life and career, found here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fAyHHGABwkKKl2gkJFlCTtv_A3RAWIqLVe-zMPrSjTU/edit?usp=sharing