Clarence Nusse

Clarence "Buck" Nusse Born: New Amelo, Kansas to Clem and Zephie Fink Nusse on August 28, 1919. Departed this world on July 4,2013. Buck had a long and interesting life beginning on a hardscrabble farm in western Kansas where he was the next to youngest of six children who lost their mother early and were raised largely by their father. He received only a grade school level of education before leaving home to find work where he could which turned out to be the silver mines at Ouray, Colorado, where he also ran the projector at the local movie theater, and did a little professional boxing. He joined the service in May, 1942 and trained as a radioman and paratrooper at Ft. Benning, Georgia before being assigned to the 551st Battalion which entered World War II on D-day in a glider attack. His unit fought at Rome-Arno, Southern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Buck achieved the rank of Tech 4 and was cited with the American Campaign Medal, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Bronze Arrowhead Service Medal. He served briefly as General Eisenhower's driver. After the war, Buck went to electronics technician school in Los Angeles and acquired the skills he would use thereafter as a radio and TV repairman. He married Mary Saylor, a widow with three children in 1950. Together they would raise eight kids instilled with Buck's strong work ethic. The family moved to Exeter in 1962 where Buck worked as a TV technician for Exeter Music Store until his retirement. He was a devout Catholic and for many years served the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Exeter as the trainer its altar boys and as a member of the Knights of Columbus .. He also served the City of Exeter as a Councilman, and as a volunteer fireman. His favorite pastime was playing a friendly game of poker with his friends. Buck was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, stepson Jerry Saylor, and son Alan Nusse. He is survived by stepdaughter Nancy Grinstead of Licking, Missouri, stepdaughter Jeanie Levasser of Porterville, daughter Vickie Stillwell (David) of Exeter, daughter Terry Donovan (Bill) of San Luis Obispo, daughter Patty Onsurez of Tulare, daughter Annette DeAsis (Lonnie) of Visalia, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rosary to be recited 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Funeral Mass 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 10th 2013 at Sacred Heart Church with private burial at Exeter Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Condolences: www.smithfamilychapel.com