John D. Hussey

1930 - 2017

Hussey, John D.

John Hussey lived his life with gusto, with humor, and with caring. On October 14, 2017 that life ended.

He was born February 23, 1930 in Fond Du Lac, WI and grew up in Appleton, WI. In 1949, he graduated from Appleton West High School where he excelled as a distance runner. He passed this interest onto his children and grandchildren. He worked at the Copper Kettle Restaurant until the Korean War started and the Army claimed him. John was trained as a Physical Therapy Assistant and sent overseas to Germany. The Europe experience awakened a lifelong interest in foreign travel and a link to his Irish roots. He attended UW LaCrosse and graduated from UW Oshkosh with a BA in English.

He began teaching at Mitchell JHS in Racine, WI.

In 1958 he married Mary Weber, his beloved wife of 59 years, and set out on a very satisfying and rewarding teaching career. In 1963 he accepted a job at West High School in Green Bay, where he mainly taught American Literature and writing classes. In 1967, with a grant and a Teaching Assistance-ship at Colorado State, he pursued his Master's Degree. The Professor Robert Zellner influenced and developed John's method of teaching writing. The Colorado experience gave John and his family a deep love of the mountains and the Southwest. In 1972, John was granted a leave of absence at half pay and took his family back to the Southwest to the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, for his PHD in American Studies. He returned to Green Bay (Southwest High School) for 5 years before returning to West High School, where he finished his career in 1989. In retirement he taught at Silver Lake College and St. Norbert College. John was a dedicated family man who enjoyed activities with his children and grandchildren. His love of life was contagious, and his humor was spontaneous and original. He had a lifelong interest in Drum and Bugle Corps, marching bands and regimental drumming. As a member of the Americanos Corps in Appleton, he motivated others and was a member of an outstanding drum line. Throughout his life he followed the Madison Scouts Corps (especially the two years his sons were members).

John was blessed with many warm friendships, The "Mediocre Book Club", RAGGS, and a breakfast group of a lawyer, an architect, an engineer and a teacher. He enjoyed many ski trips with family and friends. With Mary, he traveled extensively and saw much of Europe, especially Ireland and England. His love of Irish music involved him in several groups, but he loved best playing bodhran and performing with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary; his children, Brian, Mike (Patti), Barry, and Kevin (Michelle). His grandchildren, Megan (Andy) Dockendoff, Bill, Bob, Jack, Kate and Hannah Hussey, and two great grandchildren Hailey and Mackenzie Dockendoff.

His sister Pat Hussey, sisters-in-law Nancy Hussey, Laura Hussey, and Rita (John) Bradish. Brother-in-law Ray Zagorski, step grandchildren, Kori (Ben) Salaski and Nick Gaynor, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Regina Hussey, his siblings; Farrell (Abbie) Hussey, Bob Hussey, Janelle (Leo) Brum, Maureen Hussey and David Hussey.

Friends may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere from 4:00PM-7:00PM Friday October 20, 2017. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Old St. Joseph Church on the St Norbert College campus at 10:30AM. Full Military Rites will follow. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.

In lieu of floral expressions, a memorial fund has been established in John's name.