The Doe Network:
Case File 3953DMMN

1

Bernard Wright Rusness
Missing since April 3, 1976 from Detroit Lakes, Becker County, Minnesota
Classification: Missing

Vital Statistics

Date Of Birth: April 22, 1926

  • Age at Time of Disappearance: 48 years old
  • Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'10-5'11"; 165 lbs.
  • Distinguishing Characteristics: White male. Brown hair; hazel eyes. Receding hair line. Wire rimmed glasses.
  • Marks, Scars: Left eye injury (resembles lazy eye). He has pellet scars in the groin area, due to a pheasant hunting accident.
  • Clothing: Gold watch worn on left wrist; gold or silver ring, with square emerald on left index finger.
  • Dentals: Available
  • Fingerprints: Available
  • DNA: Available
  • AKA: Russ Rusness

    • Circumstances of Disappearance
    Bernard Rusness and Peggy Parmenter went missing from their farm home in Wolf Lake, Minnesota, that burned to the ground on April 3rd, 1976.
    Their son Brian's remains were found in the fire, Bernard and Peggy were not.
    All their vehicles were in the driveway, and the hood was open on the Ford pickup, as Bernard was installing a P.A. System. Keys were in the ignition in all three vehicles.
    They were seen at the grocery store earlier and Bernard was seen leveling out their driveway with his tractor at about 4:00 p.m. that day.
    Bernard and Peggy have not been seen or heard from since.
    All money was in the bank accounts and the paychecks were left at their place of work. Foul play is suspected.

    Investigators
    If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

    Becker County Sheriff
    Investigator John Sieling OMI: MN0030000
    218-847-2661

    Agency Case Number: 76000463

    NCIC Case Number: M94821990616

    Source Information:
    Family Member - Jeff Rusness
    NamUs MP #12305

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    Last Updated: 1/16-2012 - By: BR / Web Assist