Robert Fredrick Wilshusen

1942 - 2009

Robert Fredrick Wilshusen, 66, of Mora, died Saturday, August 15, 2009, at his home. He was born on August 16, 1942, at Sedalia, a son of Paul G. and Olga (Bauer) Wilshusen.

On September 6, 1942, he was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church of north Lincoln by Rev. Maschoff and was confirmed on March 25, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp by Rev. Henry Gerike. He attended the Trinity Lutheran School in Cole Camp from 3rd through 8th grade. In 1960, he graduated from Lincoln High School.

On May 25, 1964, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of north Lincoln, he was united in marriage to Margaret Miner by Rev. Mueller.

For several years, he drove a milk truck and worked for Hillard Stelling and Leroy Bugh. He moved from his farm near Cole Camp to his current farm near Mora in 1966. In January of 1978, he transferred his church membership to St. John's Lutheran Church of rural Cole Camp, where he served as trustee, elder, president and secretary. For 53 years, he was a dairy farmer and he helped start the Tri-County Dairy Day and served as president for 20 years. He was a member of the Cole Camp Antique Tractor Association and had served as president for several terms. He served on the Extension Council and as a 4-H leader and was active with FFA.

Robert loved going to antique farm shows, working on old farm equipment, and teaching and demonstrating the old ways of farming. He took pride in knowing he was helping to feed and provide for the physical needs of others. His ultimate goal was to leave his farm better than he found it.

He is survived by: his wife Margaret Wilshusen of the home; two sons, John David Wilshusen and his wife Patti of Everett, WA, and James Michael Wilshusen and his wife Pam of Mora; one sister, Mary Haluptzok and her husband Phil of Ionia; and four grandchildren, Kaileigh, Ryan, Michael, and Jacob.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Daniel Robert Wilshusen.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2009, at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Cole Camp, with Rev. Michael Boothby officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Cole Camp.

The family will receive friends beginning at 6:30 p.m. and a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Cole Camp.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Cole Camp Food Bank, Lutheran School Association, or Cole Camp Antique Tractor Association in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Schumacher, Kenneth Heimsoth, Tim Heimsoth, Duane Viets, Mark Chamberlin, and Matt Chamberlin.