William "Bill" Kusser

William “Bill” Kusser, of Highmore, passed away Friday, July 7, 2017 at Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller, at the age of 90 years, three months and two days.

Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Highmore with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Highmore. Visitation was held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 10, 2017 at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore.

William Leo “Bill’ Kusser was born April 5, 1927, on the Kusser family homestead in southern Hyde County to Philip Henry and Lillian (Enger) Kusser. He grew up on the family farm with his six siblings and received his education in a rural school.

He was united in marriage to Rita Oligmueller on April 22, 1948, at Stephan, SD. To this union, seven children were born.

Bill spent his lifetime providing for his family. He sold Watkins in the Clear Lake, SD, area for a few years before returning to Highmore. He was employed by the Hyde County Highway Department and was self-employed as a carpenter for many years. He managed Duane’s Furniture, purchased wool from a wide variety of producers around the area, operated a small engine repair business and in later years operated printing equipment at the Highmore Herald.

He will be remembered for his “don’t throw it away, you might need it someday” attitude and he was right many, many times. He shared his knowledge of carpentry and repair with his kids and grandkids and was always happy to help with any of their projects. His greatest pleasure, besides enjoying 69 years of marriage to the love of his life, was getting a visit from any member of his family. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was a faithful servant of the Lord.

Survivors include: his wife, Rita; his children and their spouses: Bob (Jean) Kusser of Sturgis, Mary Ann (Lynn) Morford of Highmore, Dwaine (Darla) Kusser of Pierre, Diane (Roger) Buchholz of Highmore, Carolyn Kutz of Highmore, Ray Kusser of Highmore and Jeanette (Keith) Gourneau of Pierre; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Philip (Virginia) Kusser; two sisters: Norma (Dwaine) Straight and Joan Hardwick; one brother-in-law, Francis Mason, one sister-in-law, Karen Kusser and many nieces and nephews and a host of other family members and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, John and Bernadine Oligmueller; one grandson, Shannon; one daughter-in-law, Wanda Kusser; one son-in-law, Roger Kutz; one brother, Richard Kusser and two sisters, Ramona Weber and Bernice Mason.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Bill's arrangements. 

The family of Bill request causal dress attire for the funeral. Bill would have liked for everyone to be comfortable!