John "Jack" Gusman

John "Jack" Gusman, 74, Hatley, died Wednesday December 25, 2013 surrounded by family at the VA Hospital, Madison. He was born October 8, 1939, in Wausau, son of the late John W. and Marjorie (Gavitt) Gusman. On February 19, 1966, he married Mary Rafacz at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives. Jack was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had been a member of the Ringle-Hatley Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 8342. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Jack and Mary farmed in the town of Norrie. Jack possessed a natural ability to nurture and care for animals. On cold winter days, it was not unusual for him to rescue a newborn calf from the cold and warm it up in the kitchen for a while or help a young kitten along in life. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed turkey and whitetail hunting as well as trips to Colorado hunting elk. Among his favorite pasttimes were shooting pool and horseshoes. Above all, he was very proud of all his grandchildren and considered himself lucky anytime he had the opportunity to spend time with them. Survivors include his wife, Mary Gusman, Hatley, four children, Donald Gusman, Hatley, David (Tracey) Gusman, Weston, Debra (Ben) Wierzba, Pike Lake, Douglas (Stacey) Gusman, Rib Mountain, eight grandchildren, Sara, Alex, Dylan, Hunter, Katelin, Colt, Easton and Lincoln, two siblings, Garret (Rose) Gusman, Weston and Elaine (Orville) Dabler, Rothschild, two sisters-in-law, Angeline Milanowski, Pike Lake, and Grace Wadzinski, Wausau. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Robert Gusman. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. Monday December 30, 2013, at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. Rev. Roy Witucki will preside. Friends may call on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who helped Jack during his illness, especially, the VA Hospital Doctors, nurses and staff, the Emergency Department at St. Clare's Hospital and the VA Hospital in Milwaukee. Their assistance and care for Jack and the family was a great comfort. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com