Rudolph W. Kussmaul

Rudolph W. Rud Kussmaul, age 97, of Prairie du Chien, formerly of Mount Hope, died Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien. He was born on August 29, 1912, in Eastman, WI, the son of Rud, Sr. and Emma (Allen) Kussmaul. Rud graduated from Mount Hope High School. On September 15, 1940, he married Grace E. Stitzer in Dubuque, IA. They were married 67 years until Graces death in 2008. Rud and his brother, Al, built up a seed corn business in Mount Hope Kussmaul Hybrid Seed Corn. In 1981, they sold the business to Dairyland Seed Co. After retirement, he purchased a small orange grove in Arcadia, FL which occupied his time all winter. Rud was always an avid saltwater fisherman. He also took up golf at the age of 70 and played regularly for many years. When he was no longer able to farm or raise oranges, Rud enjoyed his flower garden at home. He was a generous contributor to community needs and to individuals.

Rud is survived by 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 Stoudmire) Schmitz, Greensboro, NC; Josh Bula, Tallahassee, FL; and Brittany (Brady) Frederick, Whitewater; and three great-grandchildren: Charlie and Katie Schmitz and Kaia Frederick; one brother, Allen Kussmaul, Mount Hope; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; his parents and his brother, Glenn.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2010 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 Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington. Friends also called at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.