Search by Name

Search by Name

Edwin Kuser Obituary

DR. EDWIN C. KUSER, 73, FORMERLY OF BOYERTOWN Dr. Edwin C. Kuser, 73, of Willow Street, Pennsylvania, formerly of Boyertown, Pennsylvania, passed away Sunday, November 25, 2012. He and his wife, Shirley DeTurk (nee Kline) Kuser, were residents of the Willow Valley Retirement Communities. A native of Boyertown born April 27, 1939, he lived as a child in Bechtelsville with his parents Melvin S. and Virginia [DeLong] Kuser. He was a 1957 honor graduate of the Boyertown Area High School. A BS in Business Education was earned at Bloomsburg State College where he was a member of three professional fraternities, president of the Varsity Lettermen, Senior Class President, and an honor graduate. Following graduation from Bloomsburg State College in 1961, he returned to Boyertown Area Senior High School as a business education teacher. During his teaching years he served as advisor to the Class of 1964, was named Business Department Chairperson, and was elected president of the Boyertown Area Education Association. In 1965, he was appointed Assistant to the Principal in the senior high school, and was named acting Principal and then Principal in 1971, serving until 1988. He was then appointed Director of Pupil Services where he served until his retirement in 1997. His formal education also included attendance at Lehigh University, plus both a Masters Degree in Business Education (1965) and a Doctorate in Educational Administration (1977) from Temple University. During Dr. Kuser's service in Boyertown more than 7,000 students received diplomas bearing his signature as high school principal, including his two children. As principal, he was a strong supporter of the arts to round out sound and effective academic, vocational and special education programs. It was during his term that television and computer education were added to the curriculum, library services were expanded, numerous accelerated academic programs were instituted and the school began the sponsorship of a chapter of National Honor Society. In the mid seventies the number of students electing to continue their education beyond high school shifted from a minority to a majority of the graduates. Beyond the local school, he served the profession as an evaluator for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, chairing eight committees in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. He also assisted in the field testing of a comprehensive evaluation plan for K-12 programs. Dr. Kuser's service to education was recognized by inclusion in the 1996 Edition of Who's Who in American Education. While principal, the practice of taking foreign language student trips abroad was expanded and European trips undertaken by the music department. In 1975, he assisted Band Director Arlen Saylor in planning the first European trip by a Boyertown High School Marching Unit when more than 120 students traveled and performed behind the Iron Curtain in Romania. That was followed by trips to Germany and also to England, France and Belgium. Dr. Kuser was privileged to place a wreath at the Arche de Triumphe in Paris, when the Marching Unit became the first public high school band to perform at this landmark. Never considering himself an athlete, Dr. Kuser was proud to have his name included on the trophy as a member of the 1957 Berks County Championship Baseball Team and of his involvement with athletics as a school administrator. He was instrumental in changing the status of the Booster's Club to an affiliate of the school; the addition of wrestling and several other sports to the offerings of the school; the establishment of the office of Athletic Director; the addition of trainers; the expansion of the athletic fields; and especially his behind the scenes role in planning the development of Bear Stadium. While principal, he also served as president of the ChesMont League. While serving as Director of Pupil Services, nursing service was expanded to provide full-time coverage at all the schools. Also, the special education program was brought from the Intermediate Unit to the local district at considerable cost savings. Within the community Dr. Kuser served at various times as a board member of the Boyertown Branch YMCA, Multi-Service, and Perkiomen Valley Academy. He served as an elder on the consistory of Shepherd of the Hills Church where he also taught adult Sunday School. A charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Boyertown Area and a life-member of Kiwanis International, he was twice elected president of the local club and served the division as Lieutenant Governor. He assisted with Special Olympics and Explorer Scouts. Among his other interests were local history, model railroading-he was a lifetime member of the National Model Railroad Association and the president of the Willow Valley Model Railroading Club-golfing badly, and perhaps his favorite, leather crafting. He sold many of his creations doing business as Principal Leathercraft and instructed others at his retirement community in this art. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his beloved children, daughter, Alison Moyer, Boyertown; son, Eric, Hingham, MA; three grandchildren; stepson, Stephen DeTurk, Seabrook Island, SC; stepdaughter, Sharon Bailey, Marlton, NJ; sisters, Sylvia Miller, Bechtelsville; Kathy, Del Oro, AZ, and Melanie Johnson, Lansdale, and brother, Daniel, Barto. He was predeceased by a brother, Steven, Indiana, PA. A memorial service will be held for Dr. Kuser on Friday, November 30, 2012, 11:30 a.m. at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville with Dr. Louis Palmieri officiating. Visitation will be Friday, November 30, 2012 from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the funeral home. Dr. Kuser will be interred at Friedens Cemetery in Oley, PA. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Boyertown Scholarship Fund, PO Box 392, Boyertown, PA 19512, which honors three BASH students killed in an automobile accident. View obituaries or send condolences at www.catagnusfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Mercury from Nov. 27 to Nov. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Kuser

Not sure what to say?





Martha Emmett

December 3, 2012

As one of the 7000 who has his signature on my diploma, and also to have been lucky enough to go a church trip with "Uncle Ed", I just want to offer my condolences to the Kuser family. He was a very gentle spirit whose legacy was felt in BASH.

c c

December 2, 2012

another classmate of 1957 down.

November 30, 2012

Twenty years ago, Ed hired me to serve as a counselor/psychologist in the Boyertown School District. I recently retired, after having worked with several different supervisors. By far, Ed was the most supportive and fair; he looked for consensus with his staff whenever possible. A gentle man with a good sense of humor (and terrible jokes), I believe his basic respect for and good will towards his co-workers will be part of his legacy.
Terry Walsh
Collegeville, PA

phil haddad

November 30, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cindy Noll Calcagno

November 28, 2012

Shirley, Stephen, Sharon, So sorry for your loss.

November 28, 2012

Shirley, Alison, and Eric,
Dr. Kuser hired me in 1977 to teach and coach at BASH. I later became a school counselor under his leadership. He was a great man and boss that I highly respected. It was my honor to work with him on the Kiwanis scholarship committee. His passing is a great loss to all of us who respected him. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dave Slider
Myrtle Beach, SC

Christine Karver

November 28, 2012

I consider myself so fortunate in knowing Ed, both professionally and in his retirement. He hired me as a teacher at BASH and gave me guidance as well as support along the way. In hindsight he was the best principal I ever had. I will never forget how he made a "Happy Birthday John" banner for my disabled son in his railroad village. This is just a typical example of his kind thoughtfulness. May you walk with the angels Ed!

Par Dareneau

November 27, 2012

Shirley, Alison and Eric,
I worked with Ed from 1990 until his retirement. He was a great boss. He stuck his neck out for me and took the heat when others didn't agree. He was a man of principle with a big heart. I am so sorry you lost him way too soon. my prayers are coming your way.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Edwin Kuser's name

Memorial Events
for Edwin Kuser

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Edwin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Edwin Kuser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more