Rusty “Rus” James Kirchner, 53, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at his residence.  A loving and dedicated husband, Rus, together with his beloved wife and love for 34 years, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last July 4^th, 2023.  He always boasted with a smile and laugh that they lost their independence on Independence Day.

Rus was a Realtor since 1999, both in Central and Southwest Florida, working with residential and commercial clients. He last worked for ERA Advantage Realty in Port Charlotte before he fell ill.  Rus was an avid fisherman who loved flats fishing on his Carolina skiff for redfish and trout. He enjoyed tournament fishing and taking everyone out in the boat, putting them on fish so they could hook and reel them in one by one.

Rus loved bowling. He was very proud to have bowled 7 perfect 300 games. He traveled to bowl in tournaments and owned a pro shop in Central Florida where he taught others how to fine tune their bowling skills and throw a mean hook. Rus threw his first perfect game with his wife Pam standing by his side.  He also enjoyed golfing and was proud of his 2 hole-in-ones. It took many years, but he was finally able to make a golfer out of his wife, Pam, graduating her from a peewee golfer to a real golfer.  Rus was young at heart. At times you would think that he never truly grew up – he played video games since childhood and never stopped.  He loved cooking for others and hosting gatherings. Everyone always asked for his baby back ribs with cucumber salad. If anyone mentioned that they really did not care for cucumbers, he would say that is only until you have tried mine. And they were won over every time. Family and friends truly loved his cooking.

Rus and Pam loved the time they spent together with their beloved pets over the years and their kitty Cirrus now.  They loved just being with each other whether it was watching movies, going boating and fishing, golfing, or bowling in leagues together.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Pamela Kirchner, his mother, Brenda Chartier, and stepfather, Dennis Chartier; a sister, Heather Koppel, and brothers, Sean Chartier and Keith Chartier; mother-in-law, Phyllis Petreikis, brothers-in-law, Perry Petreikis and Brian Redmond; sisters-in-law Paulette Redmond and Nikki Chartier; special uncle and aunt, Scott and Sharon Kirchner; seven nieces and nephews, three great nieces and nephews, and many friends. Rus was preceded in death by his father Bradford Kirchner, and father-in-law, Paul Petreikis.

Visitation and services celebrating Rus’s life will be held this Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Roberson Funeral Homes Punta Gorda Chapel located at 215 Mary Street in Punta Gorda.  Friends will be received starting at 2:00 pm with services starting at 3:00 pm.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.