Grace E. Kussmaul

Grace E. Kussmaul, age 89, of Prairie du Chien, formerly of Mount Hope, died Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien. She was born on July 12, 1918 in Lancaster, WI, the daughter of Ora and Celia (Groenier) Stitzer. Grace attended Lancaster High School and graduated in 1936 as salutatorian. She then entered the Methodist Hospital nursing program in Madison and became a registered nurse. On September 15, 1940, she married Rudolph Rud Kussmaul in Dubuque, IA. Rud and his brother, Al, built up a seed corn business in Mount Hope Kussmaul Hybrid Seed Corn. Grace was actively involved in the business. She handled the bookkeeping and took care of farm crews. In 1981, they sold their business to Dairyland Seed Co. Grace and Rud then spent their winters in Florida. Together they enjoyed traveling, golfing, and boating. Grace was an active member of the Mount Hope Methodist Church for 65 years. She sang in the choir and served as a church organist. Grace was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Rud Kussmaul of Prairie du Chien, formerly of Mount Hope; three children: Jack Kussmaul, Millville; Kay (Joe) Schmitz, Mount Hope; and Jean (Joe) Bula, Prairie du Chien; four grandchildren: Jill (Brian) Cipra, Prairie du Chien; Randy (Nancy) Schmitz, Greensboro, NC; Josh Bula, Tallahassee, FL; and Brittany (Brady) Frederick, Whitewater; and one great-grandson, Charlie Schmitz.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John Stitzer

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2008 at the Mount Hope Methodist Church in Mount Hope with Reverend Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial was in Hermitage Cemetery, Mount Hope Township. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 13, 2008 from 4:00 7:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington. Friends also called at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.