Bernard James Kust

Bernard J. Kust, age 77 of the Township of Pella, passed away Friday morning November 16, 2018 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton. 

Bernard “Bernie” James Kust, cheesemaker, buck hunter, fisherman, traveler, western enthusiast, and the World’s Best Grandfather passed away on Friday, November 16, 2018 at the age of 77.
Bernard was born April 7, 1941 to Francis and Eileen (Eick) Kust, number five in an impressive family of thirteen at home in Oconto, Wisconsin.
On June 30th, 1962 Bernard married the love of his life, Jeanette (Woehler).  Together their love created a family of five children; two boys and three girls. The family developed the Oak Grove Cheese Factory which remains the only operating cheese factory in Shawano County today.  For 46 years Bernard’s hard-work ethic, drive, and family were essential in the growth and success of the factory and this was a great source of pride for him. But, his ultimate pride came from the family that he built. More difficult than waking up at 4 am every morning to make his cheese in time for delivery, was the struggle of not just providing for a family of five but raising his two boys to be men and his three daughters to be strong women. And that family of five, they created a family of thirty-one. It was that family, that was Bernard’s proudest achievement.
“Grandpa Cheese” as he was known as to his grandchildren, supported all of their activities, encouraged their dreams, and celebrated their accomplishments.  He simply loved to spend time with them, whether it be fishing, going out to dinner, just talking or the loving hug which ended with him “squeezing your liver out.”  They always knew that their favorite treat was readily available in Grandpa Cheese’s pantry famously known as the “candy room.”
As an avid outdoorsmen Bernard found joy in spending countless summer weekends at his cabin with his family fishing and boating, hunting, going for walks in the woods, watching deer in his backyard, bird watching, playing solitaire, watching western movies and reading books, listening to country music and Celine Dion, driving his Cadillac and could regularly be found sitting in his favorite spot strongly encouraging the Green Bay Packers to a victory while enjoying a Busch Light.
In June 2003, Bernard lost the love of his life and after 15 years of being the foundation for the Kust family, Bernard reunited with his love. Bernard will always be remembered for his generosity, work ethic, infectious smile, never ending conversations, friendship and love for every last member of his family.   
And in the words of Randy Travis, “I’m gonna love you forever and ever
Forever and ever, amen.”

Survivors include:
Daughters: Julie (John) Lohrentz, Marion; Luann (George) Kust-Thornhill, Hortonville; & Laurie (Jamie) Thomack, Marion
Sons: Terry (Terri Jo) Kust, Clintonville & David (Sarah) Kust, Marion
Grandchildren: Alesha (Will) Lohrentz-Brown; Andrea (Andrew) Ostimov; Justin (Emily) Lohrentz; Cody Thomack; Jordan (Lindsey Kettenhoven) Kust; Jared Kust; Brooke (Kyle) Pingel; Jessica (Kyle Kettenhoven) Kust; Ashley Fandrey; David Thornhill; Alex Thornhill; & Addyson Kust
Great-grandchildren: Paisleigh & Carter Lohrentz and Evelyn Pingel
Sisters: Sharon Smith; Sandra Kust; Joan (Fred) Kust-Burtz; Cindy Kust; & Jackie (Pat) Murphy
Brothers: Randy Kust; Kevin (Mary Pat) Kust; & Brian (Karen) Kust
Sister-in-law: Marilu Kust & Brother-in-law: Don Nettesheim

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanette; a sister, Jan Nettesheim; brothers, Darrel, Ronald, & David Kust; & a brother-in-law Bob Smith.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Shawano, with the Fr. Thomas Farrell officiating. Interment will take place at Riverbank Cemetery, Township of Pella.

Friends may call on Wednesday at the church from 9 AM until the time of the service.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting his family.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.