Kay Kuske

Kay Kuske, 77, of New England, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 in her home surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of her life will be at 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 26, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, New England with Chaplain James Murphy officiating. Burial will take place at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 – 8 PM, Friday, November 25 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with a prayer service beginning at 7 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Kay Frances Edinger was born December 16, 1938 in Carrington ND, the daughter of Ted & Dorothy (Zink) Edinger. She grew up and attended school in Carrington. Kay met the love of her life, Richard Kuske, at a youth gathering at the Nazarene Church in Carrington. They were married on October 28, 1955 in Jamestown, ND. They were blessed with 4 children: Julie, Wendy, Doug & Amy. In the Spring of 1963, Richard & Kay came to New England for a 2-week construction job and stayed a lifetime! Kay often spoke of her love and pride living in “Small Town USA” (New England, ND). Kay’s greatest joy was raising her children through their school years. Kay was the bookkeeper for their construction and trucking businesses. After Amy graduated from high school, Kay needed a new adventure – she began her career as a homemaker/home health aide for Hettinger County Social Services for 20 years (1982-2002). Kay had found her niche – she loved her clients and they loved her – many of them grew to be like family. She was always looking for opportunities to learn, grow and improve. She completed the Dale Carnegie Course in 1967 and later the Karate School of Self Defense in 1980. In 1977 Kay had a successful kidney transplant at the University of Minnesota Hospitals in Minneapolis. She lived 39 plus years with the new kidney, a precious gift from her beloved sister, Phillis! She was also a breast cancer survivor. Kay had an adventurous spirit! She and Richard traveled the country on their motorcycle, in their vans and later, their motor homes. One Sunday afternoon, on a whim (and telling no one), she rode her bicycle to Dickinson and back. She “Made the Hill” road race in Bismarck. She loved traveling, whether by car, bus, motorcycle, RV or cruises. Kay so appreciated the beauty of God’s creation. Kay found joy and creativity in her sewing, crocheting, quilting and gardening. She loved connecting with family and friends by writing letters and sending cards, and more recently through the technology of her iPad. Kay could often be found sitting at her sewing machine, tending to her flowers, reading, singing, and playing Cribbage with Richard. She rarely missed a ball game or concert, supporting her kids and grandkids in all their activities over the years. Kay was a life-long member of the New England Federated Women’s Club and so very proud of her affiliation with this group. She was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, and National Kidney Foundation. She was a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church – serving on the Council and the WELCA Committee. She was a proud board member of the Good Samaritan Society in Mott and the New England Public Library Board. She also served as a Heartland Hospice volunteer and 4-H leader, her club was ‘Kay’s Kool Kats’. Kay is survived by her children: Julie (Marty) Opdahl of New England, Wendy (Jay) Jackson of Spokane WA, Doug (LaDonna) Kuske of New England, and Amy Castillo of Leavenworth KS; nine grandchildren: Stacey (Mike Regan) Opdahl, Ethan Opdahl, Sheyenne (Bill) Griswold, Sierra (Justin) Almogela, Sam (Sara) Hale, Marcus Jackson, Allie Kuske, Hailee Kuske and Dallas Castillo; six great-grandchildren: Joshua Domke, Tucker Hale, Austin Castillo, Liam Almogela, Maximus Hale, Cecilia Kay Almogela and two “in the oven”; siblings: Larry (Sue) Edinger of Eden Valley MN, Buck & Susan (Radtke) of Fargo, Mary (Dave) Zentner of Bismarck, Rick Edinger of Pineville LA, and Kathie (Roger) Silkey of Fargo. And many beloved nieces and nephews. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Dorothy; husband, Richard; sisters, Donna Ouren and Phillis Benson, infant sister, Shirley; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ben and Lillian Kuske. While we rejoice that Mom has gone on to her Eternal Reward in Heaven, she will be greatly missed by all who loved her! She was the truest role model for dignity, inspiration, a positive attitude, having unconditional love for everyone and a shining example of her faith. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Badlands Ministries in Medora, Heartland Hospice of Dickinson, or the charity of your choice. If Kay blessed you with a quilt, blanket or afghan she had made, we’d love for you to bring it to her funeral on Saturday and join us in “decorating” the church.


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Burial Date: November 26, 2016
Church Our Reedemer's Lutheran Church

Funeral Service: Saturday: Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, New England, ND