Donald W. Huseman
January 9, 2017Share using:
Donald W. Huseman, 86, of Dubuque passed away on Monday, January 9, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2017 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, 1240 Rush St. in Dubuque with Fr. Gabriel Anderson officiating. Burial will be held at Mount Calvary following the mass. Friends may call from 2–7 p.m., on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Leonard Funeral Home, 2595 Rockdale Rd. The wake service will be at 6 p.m.
Don was born October 11, 1930 in Dubuque, the son of Carl and Gladys (Boyes) Huseman.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey (Trowbridge) Huseman. They were married on August 27, 1949. He is survived by their 5 children; Donna (Joe) Schroeder of Cuba City, WI, Karla (Frank) Shepherd of Dubuque, Wayne (Dora) Huseman of Holland, IA, Kenny (Shelly) Huseman of Dubuque and Ted (Jean) Huseman of North Aurora, IL; grandchildren, Rick Heiderscheit, Barb Cox, Kim Donovan, Tina Siefken, Amy, Frank Jr. and Kevin Shepherd, Audrey Accola, Kristy Wise, Brooke Carroll, Lindsey Hines, Chrystal Blauvelt, Amber Lee, Staci, Brad and Jillian Huseman. He later married Joyce (Baumhover) Huseman on December 3, 1988 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Joyce survives, along with her daughter, Ann Smith and grandchildren, Shantel Hoyle, Niccita, Eric and Nathan Smith. Together they are survived by 33 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren with another arriving in 2017. He is also survived by 3 brothers, Dick (Rosie), Ray and Vern (Donna) Huseman.
Don absolutely treasured time spent with grandchildren and family. He was blessed with two long, loving and happy marriages. The undying love and care he showed Joyce during her Alzheimer’s journey has been nothing short of amazing. He was a man of God. He worked tirelessly for those in need and was a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. He worked at Farley & Loetscher where he was instrumental in serving on the negotiation committee to drive a fair wage for employees. He was employed at Standard Forwarding Inc. for more than 35 years, retiring as the terminal manager. Long known for his compassionate spirit and civic leadership he served on St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Sageville School Boards, Power of Prayer, and the St. Stephens Food Pantry among many others. He joined St Columbkille’s parish after the closing of St Mary’s. He was on the committee that named Hempstead High School. He was a long time member of the Eagle’s Club and volunteered in many capacities over the years, including Chairman of the building committee when the Eagles Club moved from downtown Dubuque to the West end. Don and Joyce gave their time and talent to help many families with food, shelter and clothing in Southern Texas and Mexico where they wintered for 19 years. They adopted a family there who lived in a 2-room shack with no plumbing and doors. He changed all that. He volunteered many hours within their retirement community in Texas, particularly with faith services and creating a workshop that he managed. They made many lifelong friends who were a part of his life to the end. Don was passionate about golf and he never missed an opportunity to play a game of Euchre.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, sister, Adele Heiderscheit, sons in law, Rick Heiderscheit and Mike Bruggeman, sister in law, JoAnn Huseman and brother in law Ron Baumhover.
The family would like to thank Mary Michel, who has always been there for Don through the years as his “on call” nurse. They also wish to thank the kind-hearted staff at Mercy Medical Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion. Especially Amy, Barb, Jeanette, Allison and Elizabeth.
