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Richard Kuss Obituary

Richard L. Kuss, a benefactor to the Springfield community, died Aug. 9, 2010 at age 87.

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Published by Springfield News-Sun from Aug. 9 to Aug. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kuss

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KUSS Christian

November 2, 2023

Sincères condoléances. J'ai connu Monsieur KUSS lors de ma venue aux états unis en juillet 1973. Il m'a accueilli et nous avons passé une journée ensemble.
Christian KUSS (France). (Mon grand père était Valentin KUSS de Lambach en Moselle)

Michael Groth

February 14, 2012

I am so sorry to see that Dick has passed, but know he is with Barbara his only true love. I have been out of state, but in returning found out. I was one of Barbara's night nurses and I just cannot say enough about how Dick treated us. He aways made us feel like family. My prayers are with you. Springfield has lost two great people.

KUSS Christian

November 10, 2010

Mes très sincères codoléances à toute la famille.J'avais eu le plaisir de rencontrer Mr Richard KUSS lors d'un séjour aus Etats Unis en 1973...Je suis un petit fils de Valentin KUSS de Lambach en France.

Ginny McCauley

November 5, 2010

Grandpa Dick, as he was known to my granddaughter, has always been one of her heroes. He has always been one of mine. I have known him as my cousin, the husband of my best friend, and a good friend. We love him very very much. Our prayers go to all the family. I shall greatly miss the phone calls and his always great wisdom and advice. I know he's happier with Jesus and Barbara and Phil. He was the most brilliant man I have ever known and one of the nicest.

My love to all of you.

August 29, 2010

Carolynn,David,and family

I am so honored to have known your Dad. When I worked with him after his knee replacement in 1996, I had no idea of the all achievements he had made. He was not one to talk about himself that is for sure. I marveled reading about him in the Springfield New Sun. He was a very humble and well liked person. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. It is a blessing that he passed on in his sleep and that he did not suffer. Is that not how we all want to go? Live almost 9 decades, a relatively healthy, happy life. Enjoy seeing our grandchildren graduate from college, get married and maybe even have the pleasure of knowing our great- grandchildren, then peacefully die in our sleep.
It is a small world and I am glad I had the opportunity to become acquainted with you and your husband, David, this past Christmas. Your mother was a gem.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Take care and God Bless,

Christine Szczesny, Physical Therapist, Columbus Ohio

Katherine Eckstrand

August 22, 2010

Ed and I send our deepest sympathy to Carolyn and all of the Kuss family. It was my great pleasure and honor to know Dick. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and a great friend of the Performing Arts Center and of me. I will miss him deeply.

Jack Westcott

August 18, 2010

Dick was a quality gentleman and person who made everyone he met his friend. I will miss seeing him at Springfield Country Club. The world needs more people like Dick.

Bill & Nancy Fogarty

August 16, 2010

What a wonderful man to have known !!!

Pamela Schindler

August 16, 2010

Dick was such a wonderful mentor. He was one of the first business leaders I met when I came to Springfield and later, when I joined the Wittenberg faculty, he took me under his wing and introduced me to the people he believed I ought to know. I couldn't have had the career I did without his assistance.

Dick was a wonderful, caring man. Please know you have my deepest sympathies and condolences.

Pamela Schindler
Professor, Department of Business
Wittenberg University
Director, Wittenberg Center for Applied Management

August 14, 2010

Linda and I send our condolences and sympathy to Carolyn and the entire Kuss family. Dick was a special man in my life as he was my father's best friend (Bitner Browne). These two had a very special friendship that extended beyond their shared passions of fly fishing and golf into extensive community service. I wll always treasure the times I spent in their company.
I can see Dad now, with a big grin on his face handing Dick a fly rod and the two of them,once again trudging off to fish together. Great friendships never die.
I miss them both.
Franklin Browne

Bob and Terry Lehman

August 14, 2010

We remember Dick and his family very well as neighbors and friends. He was a wonderful supporter of the Springfield schools when Bob was Superintendent. When he retired we received the roses from Dick and Barbara.

marilyn burr

August 14, 2010

greg,cindy, and boys,
i feel honored to have known mr. kuss. he was one of the most gracious and noble men ever. springfield will not be the same without him and his kind heart.

Betty Jones

August 13, 2010

I had the privilege of working across the hall from Mr. Kuss's office for over 20 years and daily saw the soul of graciousness and generosity. Marie's candies, Sweet Corn in Summer, Mums in the Fall, Ponsiettias at Christmas and tickets to events at the Kuss Center are just some tokens of his generosity to everyone in our office. He sent cards for all our birthdays. I will miss his always upbeat greeting and smiling face each time he arrived at his office. These are just the little daily things he did. But it exemplifies what he did in a larger way for the City of Springfield. What impressed me most about Mr. Kuss was the devotion and dedication for his Barbara during her long illness. Every woman should be so loved. He will ever be missed

The Ayers Family

August 13, 2010

Good man. Great citizen.

Timothy
Former Mayor

Anne & Gerry Hudson

August 13, 2010

Dear Kuss Family,
We feel honored to have known this great man. His quick smile and easy manner always created context for friendship. The effects of it are forever.

Kris Smith

August 13, 2010

I worked at Bonded Oil (Limestone St.) for several years and was fortunate to have known Dick Kuss. He was a very caring individual which shined through the employees. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of an incredible gentleman.

Krisie (Jones) Smith (1976-1984)

Alan & Marilyn Manley

August 13, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We will miss Mr. Kuss.

John Jobes

August 12, 2010

On behalf of the graduating class of 1967 from Springfield North High School I would like to offer our sympathy to Paul and Kay Kuss and the entire family on the loss of Richard He will be remembered by so many and greatly missed.

Sincerely, John J. Jobes and Family
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783

JOYCE CASEY

August 12, 2010

TO RICHARD KUSS FAMILY,
EVEN THOUGH I NO LONGER LIVE IN SPRINGFIELD, IT IS STILL MY HOME, I REMEMBER MR. KUSS SO VERY WELL , I EVEN VISITED HIM IN HIS HOME AND MET HIS DEAR WIFE, HE WAS VERY HELPFUL WITH ADVISE TO ME THAT I NEVER FORGOT, YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST AND HEARTFUL SYMPATHY. GOD BLESS YOU.

John Gillen

August 12, 2010

A special man. I once had the opportunity to help him with a problem that would have caused others despair. During the process, he cheered ME up. Amazing.

Jim Scowden

August 12, 2010

I'll miss Dick at the fishing club on Fridays.
He was the go to guy on the fly of the day.
Dick was a great fly fisher man.

Jim Scowden
Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club

August 12, 2010

There will never be another Dick Kuss in my view. He was truly one of a kind. During my time as city manager, Dick was a constant inspiration and supporter. He was always leading initiatives to improve the quality of life in Springfield. AND - he tried to teach me fly fishing but there was only so much he could do! He left a permanent mark on me and this community. I will never forget him.

Matt Kridler
Former city manager (1988-2008)
Springfield, Ohio

Brenda Linthicum-Lewis

August 12, 2010

As a travel agent for many years, I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Kuss and also Paul and Kay Kuss. What a great family! I know his loss will be felt deeply by his family but Springfield will also feel the loss of a very generous man.

August 12, 2010

To the family and close friends,

Mrs. Kuss was in their yard gardening, on her knees, when I walked by with Katy in the stroller, and Matt and Roger following, for a walk to the pharmacy for a candy, and to show Roger where his new school was. We had just moved here from Huber Hts., and Mrs. Kuss was officially the first person we met in this city. She got up from her knees, walked over smiling and introduced herself, saying how pleased she was we had moved here. We are all indebted to them for all they have done for this city. Barbara and Roger Krohn

Karen Sproles

August 12, 2010

Sincere condolences to Mr. Kuss"s family. I worked with Mr. Kuss at Bonded Oil on Limestone in the 80's. I have seen him over the years when he shopped at Big Bear, now Kroger. I worked part time at Big Bear, and everytime he came in, he was his same delightfull self! Hi Karen how are you? I would say the same and how good it was to see him. I remember the Bonded days when every spring all the girls had a new African Violet on their desk. The last time I saw Mr. Kuss was Fri. the 6th, I was going into Kroger and he was leaving, in the lobby we had our usual exchange of words. Glad I got to say good-bye to him. A wonderful man.
Sincerely,
Karen Sproles

August 12, 2010

There will never be another Dick Kuss in my view. He was truly one of a kind. During my time as city manager, Dick was a constant inspiration and supporter. He was always leading initiatives to improve the quality of life in Springfield. AND - he tried to teach me fly fishing but there was only so much he could do! He left a permanent mark on me and this community. I will never forget him.

Matt Kridler
Former city manager (1988-2008)
Springfield, Ohio

Echo Inc

August 12, 2010

The people of Echo Inc want to express their condolences to Paul, Kay, Matt, Jason Kuss. We are so sorry for your loss.

Peter and Victoria Pittman

August 12, 2010

To the Kuss Family, please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of Mr Kuss. His spirit, warmth, and generosity were an inspiration to Vicky and I. He was a remarkable individual who will not be forgotten.

Bruce and Elaine Libey

August 12, 2010

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Kuss. He and Barbara were dear friends of our late aunt and uncle Wilbur and Bessie Barnett. Mr. and Mrs. Kuss were so gracious and kind to us when the Barnetts passed away. Mr. Kuss was a man who made an impact for good to all he met.

August 12, 2010

There will NEVER be another Dick Kuss. He was one of a kind in my view. During my time as city manager here in Springfield, he was a constant inspiration & supporter. He was always looking for new ways to advance our community. AND he tried to teach me fly fishing - but he could only do so much! Knowing Dick Kuss was an absolute privilege. I will never forget him.

Matt Kridler
Former City Manager (1988-2008)
Springfield, Ohio

August 12, 2010

Helen and I send our condolences to the Kuss extended family on Dick's passing - he was an outstanding human being. We mourn your loss, the loss to the Springfield community and the loss of a freind of Wittenberg.

Tom & Helen Martin
Springfield, OH

Chuck and Nancy Dominick

August 12, 2010

We send our sincere condolences to the family, business associates, and many close friends of Dick Kuss. Dick was truly one of a kind. He was the kindest, most thoughtful, and most generous man we have ever known. Our association with Dick during our years at Wittenberg will remain among the most memorable and satisfying experiences of our lives. Few communities are blessed to have in their presence the larger than life figure of a Dick Kuss. We shall never forget him and the countless ways, large and small, that he enriched his community and touched the lives of those of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. We will forever treasure the opportunity to have learned from him firsthand what philanthropy and giving back to a community is all about.

June Graham

August 11, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the Kuss children and Grandchildren.
Dick was a very dear friend to myself and my late husband, Ray Graham. He has kept in touch with me since Ray died, 20 years ago,I appreciated his friendship so very much. He was the nicest person I have ever met. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Shannon Spencer

August 11, 2010

He was such a wonderful, vibrant man and so full of life. He made everyone feel welcome in his presence. I remember he told the most wonderful stories. Those memories will live on through those he left behind, especially his beloved family...we are all better people for knowing "Grandpa Kuss."

August 11, 2010

On behalf of all the employees at Fan Grabber Sportswear. Our prayers and sympathy goes out to Mr. & Mrs Paul Kuss, Mr. & Mrs Matt Kuss and Jason. Your Father/Grandfather will truly be missed. From what we read here and the many stories Matt and Jason spoke of, Mr Kuss was definitely a great man.
Our Condolences
The Employees of Fan Grabber Sportswear
Phoenix, AZ

August 11, 2010

Thank you for what you and your family did for this community. Sincerely, Mr. & Mrs. R. Druckenbroad

August 11, 2010

To the Kuss family. The Swaim family is on vacation in Napa Valley during this two week period. I really regret not being there. Obviously you already know what an absolutely outstanding person we have just lost. I worked with him on a number of community projects, and played golf with him as his guest at Muirfield. Also took him to my suite at a Bengals game, and wherever we were, we had a great time. He helped me greatly in Springfield, and included me in a lot of things. I'll always be grateful, and I hold him in the highest possible esteem. He was the greatest citizen of Springfield I ever knew.

Kathy Buckley Schmitt

August 11, 2010

It was a pleasure and an honor to have known such a good man. He will be greatly missed by so many. May his family know peace and comfort in his passing.

Dave Sanders

August 11, 2010

To the Family,
You have lost a treasure Gayle and I offer our sincere sympathy. He was a treasure to you and a jewel to Springfield and Clark County.

Nancy DeCola

August 11, 2010

In all my years of working, including my employment at Bonded Oil, Mr. Kuss stands out as one of the most kind and genuine individuals I have ever encountered. He sincerely cared about his employees and stopped by frequently to ask how you were doing. His influence has obviously affected many people in the Springfield community. Such a wonderful gentleman. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Nancy (Cushman) DeCola
Employed at Bonded Oil (1973-1985)

Carol Bintz

August 11, 2010

To the Kuss family,
i send my deepest sympathy. although I did not know Mr. Kuss personally, I serve with Greg on the GEO Board and can tell that Mr Kuss' spirit and generosity is being carried forward through his son. My thoughts are with all of you during this time of loss.
Carol Bintz

JUDY DELLEDONNE

August 11, 2010

THE KINDEST, SWEETEST, MOST GENEROUS "GENTLEMAN" YOU WILL EVER MEET.
YOU WILL SURELY BE MISSED.

Holly St Pierre (Myers)

August 11, 2010

I worked at the Spfld Country Club many years ago. Mr Kuss knew your name after you waited on him only once & never forgot it. He was a truly wonderful person, who will be greatly missed by many.

Bethany Heeg Gray

August 10, 2010

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Kuss personally since 1993 when my mother was hired as his executive assistant that year. I came to admire and have tried to emulate the tremendous extension of his generosity, for example, not just towards my mother as an employee, but toward all the rest of our family members. He remembered us at graduations, attended our weddings, sent us tulips at Easter (their bulbs still blooming at our Springfield and Dublin homes), shared citrus fruit from his Florida vacations and sometimes fresh fish from his fishing trips. My husband Jordan and I send our sincerest sympathy and prayers for all of his family and friends. From Isaiah 25:8, "He will swallow up death forever. The Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces."

Lora Hamilton

August 10, 2010

Mr. Kuss was a very kind and generous man. He will truly be missed and remembered in the hearts of many. Thoughts and prayers to his niece, Elizabeth and family...

Shawn Bowshier

August 10, 2010

Thank You! Clark County will never forget you Sir.

Springfield Family YMCA

August 10, 2010

Sincerest sympathy to the Kuss and Deer Families. His legacy to this community will live forever.

Connie & Joe Moormann

August 10, 2010

He may be gone but his light will shine forever.
Sadly missed,

Cheryl Sartor

August 10, 2010

I met Mr. Kuss when I worked at Bonded Oil. What a caring and compassionate man he was. My first Christmas at Bonded Oil I had Mr. Kuss’s name in the gift exchange. I thought what on earth would I get the president of the company for $5.00. After talking with his secretary (Esther Foster) I purchase a small gentleman’s pocket knife. He seemed to be thrilled with the gift and said he had wanted one for some time. His kindness and compassion was shown to all the employees. He was truly a one of the kind gentlemen. My sympathy goes out to both the Kuss and the Deer Families. He will truly be missed.

Andy Doyle

August 10, 2010

I did not know the man, but his actions had a positive affect on so many. His family must be proud. Rest in Peace.

Lorraine Noh

August 10, 2010

We only knew of Mr Kuss from the stories from his grandsons Jay and Matt who friends of my grandson and son Ryan who was killed 3 years ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jay, Matt and the family
Lorraine Noh and Karen Lancaster

Lynn Recknagel Wilson

August 10, 2010

Dick was a great friend to my family. He was the perfect organizer of fishing trips, he never forgot a name, totally generous with his time and knowledge. He may be gone but will never be forgotten. (Give Mother, Warda, a hug from us.)

Loretta & Richard Picker

August 10, 2010

August 10, 2010

The first time I entered the room and was introduced to Mr. Kuss he and his friends all stood up in my presence to shake my hand and all remained standing until I left the room. My husband and I fried Lake Erie Perch that my husband had caught every fall for Mr. Kuss and his fishing buddies, Mr. Samuelson, Mr. Brown, Mr. Kercher, Mr. Link and Mr. Recknagel along with many of their other friends. Mr. Kuss and his friends always thanked us and let us know how much they appreciated our dinners. Mr. Kuss was a true gentlemen. We were privileged to have known him.

Michael Shouvlin

August 10, 2010

What a world it would be if it was filled with gentlemen like Dick Kuss.
Many will miss this man. May GOD bless him and his.

Jim Campbell

August 10, 2010

Dick was a personal friend, advisor, supporter of the Clark County Park District, fellow Mason, faithful worshiper at Covenant Presbyterian Church, and a WWII Vet. He always had something good to say like many of that most wonderful generation of my parents. Sara and I will miss him but plan to see him in Heaven someday.
Jim and Sara Campbell

Craig Roll

August 10, 2010

My father Charles Roll worked many years with Mr Kuss at Bonded Oil Company. I remember him as being a very kind and generous man. This pass Saturday at the Bonded reunion, my mother relaid the message that Mr Kuss asked how my brother and I were doing. He always had time for others. Even after 40 years could remember my name and the activies I enjoyed. He was a truly remarkable man. My prayers to the Kuss and Deer families. God Bless

Bob, Terri & Family Belliveau

August 10, 2010

Rest in Peace Mr. Kuss. You have been very kind to me and my family over the years, as well as anyone who has ever met you. You will have a special place in heaven. You will be greatly missed.

Mark Stephenson

August 10, 2010

He was one of the kindest men I have ever known - always willing to share a smile and a kind word. A true inspiration to the community.

Estelle Gill

August 10, 2010

We remember Mr. Kuss as being a sweet and generous man who showed compassion upon everyone he met, even those of us who did not know him well. He was so kind to our dear friend (his secretary) and for that we are truly thankful. We are keeping the Kuss family in our prayers that they might find comfort in their time of grief. "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and every lasting joy upon their heads." Isaiah 35:10
Warmly, The Associated Bible Students of Central Ohio

Tracey Tackett

August 10, 2010

Thank you for inspiring so many to believe in their community, and to set an example of working hard to accomplish a dream.

Betty & Fred Shroyer

August 10, 2010

To the Kuss & Deer families,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kuss was the sweetest and nicest man we have ever met. He made my working at the Bonded Lodge for over 30 yrs. such a joy. He was kind to all of us. We will truly miss him so much. You all are in our thoughts and prayers,
Betty & Fred Shroyer

August 10, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. I will truly miss Mr. Kuss fishing at the club and seeing him every Fri. Such a good kind man.
Vicky

John Federer

August 10, 2010

Since coming to Springfield 29 years ago, I have worked, fished, golfed and learned from Mr. Kuss. Every opportunity to share time with this remarkable man was a blessing. His committment to God, family, friends, community and country was like no other. His shoes will never be filled, but his legacy and the memories that are in all of our minds will never fade in time. I will miss this friend forever. My prayers and sympathy are with his family.

Brenda Williams Beard Class of 65

August 10, 2010

Carolyn and David my condolences to you and your family.

August 10, 2010

His passing is a great loss to the Springfield community. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by those whose lives he touched.
Nancy Eubanks

JANE S. DURKOTT

August 10, 2010

DEAR CAROLYN AND DAVID, AN END OF AN ERA. HOW MUCH HE MEANT TO ME ALSO. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. JANE S.

Mike Morris

August 10, 2010

A true gentleman, leader and philanthropist. His wisdom and style will be missed, as will they classy manner in which he conducted his life. Someone this community will be much poorer for not having with us anymore.

August 10, 2010

What an honor it was to know you Dick. Thank you for all you and Barb did for Springfield. Anne Titus

Gayle, Terri and Phillip Campbell

August 9, 2010

He impacted our community through his leadership and generosity and touched those who knew him with his humanity.

Tim Ruggles

August 9, 2010

While I did not know Mr Kuss personally, his legacy has affected myself & so many others in this community and this is a tremendous loss. My condolences to the family.

Alyce Comer

August 9, 2010

Thank you for making a difference. You truly cared. You will always be remembered.
Alyce Comer, Life Coach

James & Sharleen Evans

August 9, 2010

A huge loss to the community and all of his good friends.

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