George Edward Wuszke

George E. Wuszke of Eau Claire, 85, died Sat., February 21, 2015 at 12:25 a.m. surrounded by his loving, supportive family at Lakeland Health in St. Joseph following complications of his weakened heart and kidneys and was granted his closing verbal wish of “let me go see Jesus”. He was born May 23, 1929 in Benton Harbor, the second child of Christian and Lillian Wustzke, deceased.  He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1947 and was a farmer until his death.  George was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sodus, a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau, treasurer of the Eau Claire Fruit Exchange Board of Directors, a member of the Southwestern Michigan Car Collectors, honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and was chosen the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year in 1965 at the Whitcomb Hotel by the Twin Cities Jaycees. On December 6, 1958 at Trinity Lutheran Church he married the former Nancy A. Rudell from Berrien Springs with whom he recently celebrated their 56th anniversary.  George always loved a good conversation about all aspects of farming, ‘50s and ‘60s classic cars, dancing, coffee shop talk, Friday fish fries and Bob Evans after church services.  But there was one unfulfilled dream; to someday drive his Oliver 44 or Oliver 1655 tractors across the Mackinac Bridge in September. George is survived by his wife, Nancy, his children Gregory (Karen) Wuszke of Granger, IN and Sherri (Fred) Kramp of Goshen, IN, his grandchildren Elizabeth and Michael Wuszke, and Bryce, Jessica and Serena Kramp, his sister, Helen Classen of Hartford, niece, Diane (Mark) Holstius and their children. The funeral service for George will be at 11:30 a.m., Friday, February 27, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3713 Naomi Rd., Sodus with Pastor Robert Duehlmeyer, Jr. officiating, followed by a luncheon in the Education Building, then committal in Caldwell Cemetery, in Eau Claire. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thurs., February 26 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road in St. Joseph.  Contributions in memory of George may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Michigan Lutheran High School or to the Donor’s choice.  Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s on-line guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com. George is now blessed with his reward in heaven for his love of his Savior and a life well lived.