Born on January 17, 1934, in his parents’ general store in rural Highland, Minnesota, Elliott’s inquisitive mind and ambition were evident from an early age. He attended school in nearby Lanesboro, where he was known by classmates as a very bright, though disorganized and shy student with a questioning mind. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1956, where his talents in zoology and foreign languages were recognized by the faculty.
He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1960. After completing an internship in California and a dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota, he selected Lincoln, Nebraska to establish his private practice and moved there with his young family in 1965. Elliott often reflected on this decision as one of his greatest fortunes, forming a deep and lasting connection with the people of this state. Shortly after settling in Nebraska, Elliott was drafted during the Vietnam War and served for two years as a medical officer at the Pentagon, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon completing his service, he returned to Lincoln, where he would build a remarkable medical career and enduring legacy.
For Elliott, the practice of dermatology was a source of endless joy and satisfaction. He relished interacting with his patients, finding commonality with their lives, and providing decisive and innovative solutions for their conditions. He found particular fulfillment in advancing surgical techniques for skin cancer treatment, striving to minimize cosmetic impact while achieving optimal outcomes. He loved the rapid pace of his work and developed a network of loyal patients and friendships across the state. Even in his final years, he spoke with joy and gratitude about his career, wishing he could have practiced in Nebraska forever.
Beyond medicine, Elliott had a deep love for rural life and cattle ranching specifically. Over the years, he passionately pursued his dream of breeding elite Red Angus cattle, managing ranches in Nebraska, Missouri, and Minnesota. Most recently he focused on the restoration of his ancestral farm and successfully transformed it back into a functioning cattle operation. Up to his final days, he remained actively engaged, frequently traveling to Minnesota to oversee this venture.
An entrepreneur at heart, Elliott sought to shape the world rather than conform to it. He was particularly fond of the creation of catchy names and slogans for the many business concepts he conceived over the years. Overcoming his childhood reticence, he enjoyed socializing and the limelight, and had a twinkle in his eye that would warm up a room. He was an avid singer, public speaker, and occasional yodeler and auctioneer. He also loved to search the “want ads” for bargains on farm machinery, tools, and vehicles. Over the years he created a large collection of vintage vehicles that he worked to restore. He relished the challenge ofsearching for the parts needed for the restorations, and his phone number was a familiar sight on the caller IDs of salvage yards throughout the state.
His concern for his community and country led him to become involved in Nebraska politics in the 1990s, culminating in primary campaigns for Lieutenant Governor in 1998 and the U.S. Senate in 2000. Though his bids were unsuccessful, he remained a passionate advocate throughout the rest of his life for policies and candidates he believed could make a meaningful impact. He was also ambitious for everyone he encountered in life, and was a skilled motivator, believing in the power of work and dedication to overcome any obstacle, and in the invigorating nature of lofty goals.
Elliott cherished his family and his Norwegian heritage. He was married to Carol Rustad of Lincoln for 28 years, to whom he was close since grade school. They shared three children: Troy, Todd, and Ann. He subsequently was married for 27 years to Lynne Rustad, who preceded him in death, but remained the love of his life until his passing. Elliott and Lynne shared a son Zachary together, and Elliott was eternally grateful for Zac’s positive presence in his life.
Elliott was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Nora Rusted; his older brother, Dr. Joel Rustad; his beloved wife, Lynne; and his son, Troy. He is survived by his son Todd and his wife Amy Rustad of Boise, Idaho, along with their children Carl,John, and Audrey; his son Zachary of Lincoln; his daughter Ann Baxa and her son Jonah of Lincoln; and his former wife Carol.
Funeral services will be held at Sheridan Lutheran Church, located at 70th and Old Cheney, on Saturday, March 15, at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Highland, 22423 391st Street, Highland, MN 55949, or to an organization of your choice in Elliott’s name or honor.