Janet Kusser

 

Janet Kusser, 56, of Highmore, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at her home.

Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Hyde County Auditorium, Highmore. Burial followed at St. Mary's Cemetery, Highmore. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2014 followed by a 6:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the Auditorium in Highmore.

Janet Lynn Bonnichsen was born August 28, 1958 to Martin and Patricia (Zoellner) Bonnichsen in Huron, SD. She attended rural school at VanOrder in Hyde County and Highmore High School where she graduated in 1976. Following graduation she worked in Pierre for the DCI. In 1981 she moved back to Highmore and began working at the Top Drawer clothing store.

In 1987 she was united in marriage to Rod Kusser and they moved to the ranch where Janet was raised. It was there they made their home and raised their children Dusty, Weston and Bailey.

For 25 years she worked on the Quirk Ranch where they raised their family doing what she loved. Raising livestock, working cattle on horseback as often as possible, building fence, and all the things ranch life afforded her while tending to the household duties that come with raising a family and being a wife. Still finding time to volunteer for church functions, youth activities including 4-H, various rodeos and horse events, sewing and homemaking classes to name a few.

As the children grew and became active in rodeo events, and other athletic events she enjoyed supporting them in their endeavors. She did this in traditional ways and also in non-traditional ways. She would not go to an away event without baking some sort of homemade sweet to send home on the bus to be shared by the team. She became lovingly known as “Mama Janet”. As she continued to follow her children and as they became college athletes, her tradition continued and was enhanced by building a quilt for each of her kid's teammates as they concluded their senior years. They were presented to the graduate at their final home games. She so loved the time spent traveling to, watching the rodeos and traveling home from the many rodeos over the years as well, as it was time spent with the whole family. She was so very proud of her children and their accomplishments.

Janet was an active and giving member of the Methodist church; the American Legion Auxiliary; a long time 4-H leader; Highmore Roundup Club; state 4-H rodeo finals volunteer; Chapter T PEO; and Quilt Club. She was currently serving as president of the American Legion Auxiliary and secretary of PEO. She had an integral role in the organizations she belonged to and enjoyed all the friendships she nurtured along the way.

In 2013 she and her husband were honored to be awarded the Heartland Saddle in recognition of their efforts in supporting and promoting youth/4-H activities with emphasis on rodeo and western events.

Janet was always a positive influence upon her family, those close to her, and acquaintances. She truly was an inspiration to all in their individual endeavors. She had a knack for making each and every person feel special and would always encourage them to follow their heart and dreams. During her journey over the last year of her life, she never feared the situation. She would continuously remind us that it was going to be ok. Although we may not feel like it will be, we know the strength she instilled in us will carry each person she has touched. So, yes it will be ok.

Honored to have had the opportunity to have shared her life are her husband Rod of Highmore; their son Dusty and wife Tomi Jean Kusser and grandson Brantley of Mitchell; son Weston Kusser and fiancé Kristin Fawcett of Highmore; and daughter Bailey Kusser of Spearfish; her mother Patricia Bonnichsen of Highmore; her mother-in-law Karen Kusser of Pierre; two brothers Steve and Cathy Bonnichsen of Highmore; James Bonnichsen of Blunt; two sisters Sue Yackley of Highmore and Cindy Cermak of Norwalk, IA; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and special friends: Dylan, Peyton, Addison, and Tenley McDonnell.

She was preceded in death by her father, Martin Bonnichsen; father-in-law, Richard Kusser; and sisters-in-law, Susie Bonnichsen and Val Bonnichsen.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials directed to Steps for Hope, PO Box 541, Highmore, SD 57345

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Janet’s arrangements.