Gilbert F. Kussmann, of Waupaca, age 90, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, February 16, 2013.
He was born in Milwaukee, WI on December 28, 1922 to Arthur and Ella (Miller) Kussmann. On September 4, 1943 he married Betty Russ. He served with the Army Air Force during WWII from March 30, 1943 to September of 1945, and was a member of the 99th Bomb Group. Gilbert was a licensed private pilot and owned three airplanes. He drove truck for 20 years and owned a filling station for eight years. He was also the do-it-yourself guy and a very meticulous craftsman. Gilbert and Betty lived in Milwaukee most of their lives, retiring to Ogdensburg in 1982 and moving to Waupaca in 2012. They were members of Waupaca Christian Church.
Gilbert is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty, of Waupaca; son, Roger (Joey) Kussmann of Omro; grandchildren: Carey (John) Andersen, Colleen (John) Ernst, Connie (Dan) Salsbury, Chris (Casey) Wangard, Carl Kussmann, Erin (Randy) Sarauer, Nathan Kussmann, and Mican Coenen; great-grandchildren: Samantha, Drew, Hailey, Montana, Justin, Kadence, Logan, Avery, Keaton, Caden, Cole, Reece, Reid, and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gordon, in 1991; and two sisters, Evelyn and Dorothy.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Waupaca Christian Church, E2249 King Rd, Waupaca, with Pastor Carl Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Military honors will follow. Private family burial of cremains will take place in the spring at Park Cemetery in Ogdensburg, WI. The Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca assisted the family with arrangements. Our family was blessed to have been a part of his 90 years. He was a loving husband, proud father, grandpa and great-grandpa. How lucky we were to have him guide us through and be our strong foundation. We all mourn his passing, but will rejoice in our wonderfully happy memories. We would like to thank ThedaCare Hospice for the wonderful care given to both Gilbert and Betty.