Dave Hussong

David Allan Hussong, age 76, of Wausau, Wisconsin slipped into his heavenly home on Saturday, August 2, 2025, following a five-and-a-half-year struggle with cancer. We know that death either happens suddenly or slowly. He chose the slow road, taking every day, he could to tell his family and friends how much he loved them, and to praise His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dave was born on October 28, 1948, in Wausau, Wisconsin, the son of Myron and Ethel (Draeger) Hussong, both who have preceded him in death. As a child, he looked up to his older and only brother, William Hussong, who lives on, along with his wife Jan and their children Ethan (Elizabeth) and Whitney (Lenny).

Dave practiced piano from age five, ("When all the other kids were out playing." he would say). That led to a lifetime of serving as an organist and choir director at multiple churches. He loved music. And he turned that love into a gift he blessed so many others with, not only during Sunday morning services, but at countless weddings and funerals. He served as the organist at Zion Lutheran, Town of Easton for more than 40 years. He also loved directing the choir and acting in Easter performances of Bow The Knee for nearly 20 consecutive years.

Dave graduated from Concordia, River Forest, with a teaching degree. His first job out of college was a call to Elk River, Minnesota as a Director of Christian Education at Emmanuel Lutheran. He soon found his next calling, working for AAL (later Thrivent) as a financial advisor. His care for his clients and the relationships he nurtured lasted for over 38 years. Upon retirement, he poured his affection for music and high-quality stereo equipment into part-time work at Sound World. He loved anything that played great sound, came with a sophisticated remote control and was equipped with plenty of impressive knobs, wires and buttons.

Dave met Ellen (Ellie) at a youth gathering in Green Lake Wisconsin when he was 17 and she was 15. They married on October 31st, 1970 (Halloween was the only available date at Nutterville Hall for their reception). Dave was still in his senior year at Concordia, and Ellie and he were one of the very first married couples on campus. Their apartment became the gathering place for his college buddies and that set the stage for a lifetime of entertaining. Dave loved a great party, and he always made sure the music, lighting and bar were set just right for his friends and family.  

Their marriage was blessed by not only their love for one another, but by the presence of their strong faith in Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior.   His blessings included the gift of their sons, Matthew and Philip along with their beautiful wives Andrea and Heather. Grandchildren Benjamin, Solomon, and Ada filled Dave's heart with such joy, and they all mourn the loss of father and grandpa.

Dave was grateful for the seven siblings Ellie brought into his life through marriage. Marj (Wayne) Viergutz, Nancy (Walter) Borchardt, Ernest Nienow (deceased), Ruthie (Bill) Scudder, Christine Lerch, LaDonna (Dave) Fermanich, Becky (Michael) Faehling, and Rob (Lisa) Nienow, as well as his deceased in laws, John and Gretchen Nienow and uncountable nieces and nephews. At family gatherings, Dave was known as Pastor Dave, always leading prayer before meals, always overwhelmed by Gods' grace and his love for family the moment he bowed his head.

To know him was to love him. He was very social; he gave the biggest hugs; he got choked up with emotion often because of his big heart; he was a good listener (or so he told Ellie); he made the best old fashions; and he deeply cherished the friends that came into his life. He loved to laugh, often to the point of tears.  He told the best Swen and Ollie jokes, and filled our lives with memories of boating, camping, and incredible travel experiences.  We praise God for David and rejoice that he is finally free from his worn-out body, enjoying music in his eternal home--maybe even taking a turn at the piano to lead a chorus of Sweet Caroline.

In the past five and a half years, Dave received the most amazing care from the doctors and medical staff of Aspirus Hospital and Cancer Center.  We thank Dr. Niaz Haque and all the other physicians and nurses who cared for him throughout this time. Their skills were such blessings in extending the time we had with Dave.

Memorial gifts may be dedicated to Zion Lutheran Church (Aniwa) or consider giving blood to save or prolong someone's life. In May, Dave received 11 pints of blood over 48 hours, which in turn, extended his life two months. This extra time was such a precious gift in which to love and care for him.

A funeral service honoring Dave's life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church of Easton, with Pastor Ryan Fehrmann presiding. Visitation will be on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Zion Lutheran, 238145 Star Road, Aniwa, WI  54408 and again on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Dave will be laid to rest at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery following the service. 

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.ascendweston.org.