Barry Kusel

Barry Ray, son of Amos and Dorothy (Ehrichs) Kusel, was born November 4, 1945, in Carroll, Iowa. He graduated from Manning High School in 1964. Barry married Jean Graner on June 11, 1967, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. They had two children, a son, Brad, and a daughter, Teri. The couple moved to Mitchell, SD, where Barry earned his Bachelor's degree in business from Dakota Wesleyan. He played football and ran track in college. Later he was inducted into the DWU Football Hall of Fame. He considered a career as a teacher and coach; however his family needed him in the farming operation. They moved home to Manning in 1969. Barry became the manager of the A.R. Kusel, Ltd. Corp. after the death of his father in 1970. Like he did with everything in life, he embraced the occupation of farming whole-heartedly. Barry implemented many conservation-minded practices and became a leader in the field of no-till. Over the years he gave many presentations on the topic, and his love for the land showed in his caring stewardship. Barry was a life-long learner of all subjects and his intellectual curiosity never diminished. He acquired an impressive collection of books, DVDs and CDs covering everything from farming to science to ancient history. He also loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports and anyone that knew him, knew that he loved Elvis Presley's music. Barry was a selfless man who never put himself first. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and served on the Manning Fire Department for many years. He volunteered his time and energy in many efforts to help improve his local community. And mostly, Barry adored his wife and children and held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, who so fondly knew him as "Papa Kusel". On Friday, November 21, 2014, Barry suddenly collapsed while working on the farm with his son. He died later that afternoon at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center at the age of 69 years and 17 days. Barry is preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife Jean Kusel, Manning; son Brad Kusel (Heather), Manning; daughter Teri Kerkhoff (Scott), Solon; five grandchildren: Erin and Brody Kerkhoff and Ross, Brock and Kora Kusel; mother Dorothy Kusel, Manning; siblings: Angela Pratt (Dan), Boone; Doug Kusel (Joy), North Richland Hills, TX; and Dave Kusel, Manning; Jean's siblings: Bill Graner (Arla), Encampment, WY; Linda Dammann (David), LaVista, NE; and Gary Graner (Jess), Omaha, NE; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. REV. JONATHAN CONNER, OFFICIANT Music "HOW GREAT THOU ART" ELVIS PRESLEY RECORDING "LIFT HIGH THE CROSS" "I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES" "HERE I AM LORD" CONGREGATION AND SUSAN LAMB, ACCOMPANIST Casket Bearers LOREN CLAUSEN LONNIE GRAU BARRY DUNSHEE JOHN OHDE MATT GRANER STEVEN GRANER MIKE DAMMANN Honorary Casket Bearers BARRY'S GRANDCHILDREN Erin and Brody Kerkhoff and Ross, Brock and Kora Kusel