Russell “Rusty” James Hering, born on November 10, 1971, in Atlantic, IA, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 54. Rusty was the beloved son of Kenneth Dean and the late Fonda Rae Hering.
He grew up in Oakland, IA, where he graduated from Oakland High School in 1990, actively participating in Cross Country. Rusty dedicated over 20 years of his career to OSI in maintenance, after initially working for Phil Reed after graduating from High School. He was passionate about hunting and fishing, often traveling to Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri to pursue his love for fishing. There wasn’t a lake or pond around Oakland that Rusty hadn’t tried his luck fishing. Rusty also had a passion for cooking and had thoughts of opening a food truck.
Rusty was preceded in death by his mother, Fonda, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
He is survived by his son, Dustin Hering of Tucson, AZ; his father, Kenneth Hering of Oakland, IA; his brothers, Jay Hering of Oakland, IA, and Tim Hering and wife Brenda of Ashland, NE; and his nephews, Jacob and Aaron Hering.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the Oakland United Methodist Church, with interment at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation with the family will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Oakland United Methodist Church. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family during this time.
