Byron F. Kusian

Byron F. Kusian, 87, of Curtice, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at the Lutheran Home at Toledo. He was born May 21, 1927, in Walbridge, Ohio, to James W. and Mary M. (Hammer) Kusian. On November 30, 1947, in Williston, Byron married Frances E. Strackeljohn and she preceded him in death February 18, 2001. For 20 years he worked as a tool and die maker and then founded Chippewa Tool & Manufacturing Company. He retired in 2002. Byron was a U.S. Navy veteran having served during WWII and was a member of VFW Post #7510 and the American Legion Post #324 in Genoa. During his long membership at St. John Lutheran Church in Williston, he and his wife had been very active. He and Frances loved to travel, flying many places across the United States. Byron was born on the day that Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris and this, he said, sparked his love for flying! He was a member of the Ohio Flying Farmers Group for many years, the QBs, and for over 55 years the Portage Valley Flying Club. Byron is survived by his daughter, Frances Jane (Lawrence) Bondy of Millbury, son, James G. (Colleen) Kusian and Frederick A. (Sharon) Kusian, both of Curtice; seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; sister, Mary Jane Finch of Oregon; sister-in-laws, Margie and Betty Kusian; four step grandsons; and special friend, Colleen Pickering. His parents, wife, and brothers, Earl and James Kusian, preceded him in death. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2015, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa. The funeral service will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 1, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, Pemberville Rd., in Latcha, with burial to follow in Allen Township Cemetery, Williston. The family has suggested memorials for Byron to go to Zion Lutheran Church, 26535 Pemberville Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551; or the Luther Home of Mercy, 5810 N. Main St., P.O. Box 187, Williston, OH 43468.