Robert Blaine Nuss

Robert Blaine Nuss, aged 89, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, January 1, 2025 in his hometown of DeMotte, Indiana. Bob was born on December 30, 1935 in Kersey, Indiana to Harold and Anna (Drenth) Nuss. The middle child of five, he attended DeMotte Public Schools and, thanks to his love of playing basketball, graduated in 1954. Except for a very brief period, Bob lived in DeMotte all his life. In 1957, Bob married Pat Myers, a partnership lasting more than 65 years. Pat preceded Bob in death on July 7, 2024. Bob is survived by his two children, Bob (Jean) Nuss of Palmetto, FL/DeMotte, IN and Susan (Chris) Kruzan of Palmetto, FL, two granddaughters, Katie (Pablo Sanchez) of Austin, TX and Jessie (Andrew Ledman) of West Lafayette, IN and two great grandsons, Quentin Ledman and Robbie Sanchez. He is also survived by his two sisters, Marcella Lanting of Loveland, CO and Judy (Dave) Renkenburger of Fort Wayne, IN. Bob was a preceded in death by his parents, wife and his two brothers, Wayne and Harold. Bob was a strong, hard-working, fun-loving man who was focused on taking care of his family. He and Pat built their “Kersey Estate” into a loving home that fostered a wide variety of activities for more than 50 years. Throughout those years, their “Estate” saw duty as a family campground, swimming hole, motorcycle playground and even a tree nursery. He was a 70-year member of the Operating Engineers Local 150. During that span, he operated nearly every type of heavy equipment in existence. He delighted in running anything with a boom – Cherry pickers, derricks and especially long boom cranes. With Pat, he became an accomplished handyman, building two houses, numerous barns and a variety of furniture. At one point, he rebuilt wrecked cars for his family’s use. He and Pat loved to travel and visited much of the country – sometimes on a green Suzuki motorcycle, sometimes pulling that motorcycle on a trailer and, later, simply pulling a travel trailer. They finally “settled” down, spending winters at the Tree Lakes Resort in Palmetto, FL. There, they lived their best snowbird life scouring central Florida for old bb guns and pewter. Throughout his retirement years, he stayed busy cultivating a variety of new interests including learning to golf and learning to play the harmonica and the guitar. Bob adored Katie and Jessie, his granddaughters and played an active role in their lives. He delighted in the antics of his two great-grandsons, eagerly looking forward to the latest story or picture. Bob lived a wonderful life but it was the last 12 years of that life that truly exemplified his character. After Pat was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he became her full-time caregiver and did everything possible to keep her happy, healthy and comfortable. As they both aged, he accepted help from the Oak Grove Memory Care team where he visited Pat nearly every day of the remaining three and one-half years of her life. His dedication and devotion to Pat inspired those around him. Bob resided in an Oak Grove Assisted Living apartment for the past seven months where he spent extended time with his “Patty Mae” before her passing. He was wonderfully cared for by the Oak Grove team. His final hours were eased by the Oak Grove and Dunes Hospice staffs. Bob’s family is very thankful for all these wonderful folks. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either of these groups. So long, Bob. We all love you and will forever miss you. Give Patty Mae a kiss for us. A visitation will be held at Jackson Funeral Service in DeMotte on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 9:00 to 11:00 am. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Gaylynn Dykman officiating. Interment will take place at Holland Cemetery.

Robert Blaine Nuss

December 30, 1935 - January 1, 2025