Keith Schusler

Date of Birth

Nov 21,1939

Date of Death

Apr 21,2004

KEITH A. SCHUSLER, age 64, of Lee, IL passed away at his home Wednesday, April 21, 2004. On September 14 of 2002 Keith was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Ever strong in spirit, Keith chose to fight with all of his strength knowing that he would only be able to succeed with the support and love of his family. Keith made the long journey to M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX where there was a hope for a cure. Although his treatment was prescribed in Texas, it was in Illinois where he made his home and it was there that he would fight until the end surrounded by the love of his family. In the last days, his spirit never wavered but his body finally succumbed to the illness and he passed from this life into the next with his family by his side. BORN He was born November 21, 1939, the son of Alfred and Louise (Gardner) Schusler in Aurora, IL.CHILDHOOD He grew up with the nickname "CottonTop" and attended St. Mary’s Grade School in West Chicago. Following graduation from West Chicago High School in 1957, Keith began learning and then passing on the tricks of the trade of cement finishing. Through time Keith became a member of the DuPage County Cement Masons, Local #803 which he would proudly serve and remain a member even through his retirement in 1997.MARRIED In 1959 Keith caught the heart of the blond girl from the Happy Home Farm Una Happes. United in marriage at the United Methodist Church of Batavia on April 15th, 1961. They started their new life together in West Chicago where they began their family with the births of Lesia, April, Kenneth. Two and half years later they moved to Indian Trail where they farmed for a time and as the crops grew so did their family with the addition of Noel. In 1973, they moved to Elburn where the family grew once again to include their daughter Angel. In 1998, Keith and Una returned to farm country in Lee, IL where they have since made their home. MEMBERSHIP He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Batavia and a proud member of the DuPage County Cement Masons, Local #803.LIFE NOTES While living in Lee, Keith and Una came into their own as collectors of old tractors, cars and various items that caught their eye. Though the value of the items was of some debate among the kids, they were priceless heirlooms to Keith and he held a special place in his heart for all of his "collectibles". His passion, however, was his grandchildren. He never missed a game or competition. From baseball, softball, basketball, soccer or horse shows, you could always count on the honk of a horn with every score and be greeted after the game with a "big grandpa grin", a pat on the back and a congratulations on a "good game". When it came to professional sports, Keith counted himself among the faithful who followed the Chicago Bear’s season after season. He also enjoyed the time he spent camping, hunting and fishing at his home away home, "Woodhaven". Of all the legacies he has left, his memory will be cherished above all and held close to the hearts of his family and friends. SURVIVORS He now leaves his loving wife Una,Five children: (numbers are shown for editing purposes and are not to be published)1. Lesia (Kirk) Fure and their children Chad, Jeremy, Shana, Daniel, Matthew and Nicholas of Kiester, MN;2. April (Ron) Ritchey and their daughter Kelly of Elburn;3. Kenneth (Christine) Schusler and their children Chad, Nicole, and Shelbie of Steward, IL;4. Noel (William) Mangers and their children Chassidy, McKinzie of Elburn;5. And Angel (Kelly) Callaghan and their children Tyler and Lanie also of E Elburn;2 Great-grandchildren: Cameron Iverson and Evan Fure, both of Keister, MN. One sister, Janice Schusler of Amboy, IL;One brother Fred Schusler of Sycamore,IL;A sister-in-law Dawn Stoner of Yankton, SD;Sister and brother-in-laws Gail and Pedro Beildeck of Chester, NH;One very dear aunt, Helen VanKirk of North Aurora, IL;Many nieces and nephews and a family of friends that stretched the countryside. PRECEDED He joins now his parents Alfred and Louise;One sister, Allene Schlick;One brother, Jerry Schusler;His mother and father-in-law, Clare and Donald Happes; A brother-in-law, Dan Stoner;A sister-in-law, Faye Happes;And an uncle Maurice VanKirk.VISITATION Friends may call at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, from 3-8p.m. Friday, April 23, 2004. SERVICES funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at Conley Funeral Home, Saturday, April 24, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the service at Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn. MEMORIALS Memorials may be made in his name and mailed to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Memorials will be used according to his wishes and sent by the family to the Angiosarcoma Division of M.D. Anderson in Texas where his doctors helped him fight and live for a time against the odds.

VISITATION Friends may call at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, from 3-8p.m. Friday, April 23, 2004. SERVICES funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at Conley Funeral Home, Saturday, April 24, at 10 a.m.

Interment will follow the service at Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn.

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