A remarkable couple found love in the very place they teach – Muscatine High School. Get ready to hear the incredible story of how their paths crossed, their shared passion for education, and how they balance work and love.

Many students have had Mrs. Rusch as their chemistry teacher, however, many students don’t know about the chemistry between her and another teacher at this school; Mr. Rusch.

Mrs. Rusch, formerly known as Mrs. Leslein, and Mr. Rusch started dating in July 2020. However, their shared love for teaching and helping others is what brought them together. They initially met when they worked together in 2016 while helping students who needed extra help in the Success Center for a couple of periods during the school day.

When asked more specifically about how they met, Mr. Rusch says, “In the summer of 2020 (COVID year), I saw on Facebook that she was single, had recently moved, and had fallen off a retaining wall while weeding a flower garden at her new house, dislocating her elbow.”

Mr. Rusch then reached out to her, offering help from the track team to finish her yard work. Since it was COVID times. he could not get the team together. So he offered to help by himself. Mr. Rusch enjoys mowing and landscaping yards, so when he wasn’t working on his yard, he would stop over by her house and work on hers.

“The Fourth of July is a big celebration in my family, so I invited her to join us. She eventually said yes, and I guess that is considered our first date. I think she was a little nervous meeting some of my family on our first date, but I must have done something right because it led to us getting married this past June,” said Mr. Rusch. 

In three words, “meant to be” is how Mrs. Rusch would describe their relationship. Which is certainly shown through their dedication and love for each other.

“He makes me laugh and smile every day. He is honest and loyal. His love and support is genuine and is felt throughout our entire family. He always has my back, no matter what. I feel incredibly lucky to have him in my life,” describes Mrs. Rusch. 

Mr. Rusch also has quite a few favorite traits that she possesses .

“She is the nicest, most caring person I have ever met. She would do pretty much anything for anyone. I like that she had a dog named Jasper when I met her and he has pretty much become my dog now, and my best buddy! I like that we are both honest and respectful to each other. I am also very lucky to call her four boys my family!”

When asked to advise others in regards to having a healthy romantic relationship, Mrs. Rusch says, “Be open and honest with each other, always. Show your love and support every day.” 

This sweet and heartwarming story about two familiar faces at MHS just goes to show that love can bloom in the most unexpected places!