Robert Kusy

Bob went to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 28, 2004, five days after his 76th birthday. He courageously fought pancreatic cancer since March.

Bob was born in Crete, Nebraska. He was a US Navy veteran serving his country from 1946-1948. After graduating from Doane College, he began his business career and lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Spokane Washington, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before moving to Des Moines in 1976. He was transferred to these areas while with the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U.S. from which he retired in 1985.

He loved all sports, playing basketball in high school and being quarterback for the football team. He enjoyed bowling, tennis, golf and liked horseracing. He and his wife, Donna, loved to ballroom dance. Bob was a friendly, caring person and adored and was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

He was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Clive Lions, Treasurer of Des Moines Crime Stoppers, coordinator of the Iowa Cubs Knothole Gang and part of the scoreboard crew at Valley High's home football games and Iowa Barnstormer games.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of 53 years; daughters, Karen (Tim) Daniels of Spokane, WA, and Kay (John) Eliassen of Portland, OR; son, Bill (Cyndee) of Urbandale; grandchildren, Monica and Mandy Daniels, Paige Eliassen and Becca, Luke and Julia Kusy; brother, Don (Charlotte) of Lincoln, NE; sister, Beverly (Robert) Loetterle of White Bear Lake, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Today, October 31 at Brooks Funeral Care-University Chapel. A private family burial will be held Monday, November 1 at Glendale Cemetery prior to his Celebration of Life services that will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 12th and Grand in West Des Moines, followed by a luncheon reception. Memorials may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Hospice of Central Iowa.