Bryan Arthur Cushman

Bryan (Bud) Arthur Cushman, 94, of the Lake Geneva area passed away at Lakeland Medical Center on July 24, 2024.

Bryan was born on October 17, 1929, to the late Stephen and Velma (Burhans) Cushman in Owosso, Michigan. Bryan graduated in Michigan, from Port Huron High School in 1947 and then went on to attend Port Huron Junior College where he earned an Associate degree in business in 1953. In 1955 Bryan earned a Bachelor’s degree in General Business with a minor in Accounting from Michigan State University (Go Green!!).

From 1948 to 1952, Bryan served in the United States Army Signal Corps during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Camp Gordon in Georgia, Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania, Japan, and Okinawa.

In 1953 Bryan met the love of his life, Barbara Jean Guthrie. On January 2nd, 1954, they married at St. Edward on the Lake Catholic Church in Lakeport, Michigan. They built a life together, established homes in five different states, and raised four children, five dogs, assorted fish, a couple of turtles, and one very disgruntled cat.

Bryan put those college degrees to good use and worked primarily as a manager in the manufacturing business including; Chris Craft Boats in Michigan and Florida, St. Clair Rubber Company in Michigan, Albert Trostel Packings Ltd in Lake Geneva, WI, and Bardon Rubber Company  in Union Grove, WI. Bryan was an incredibly handy guy and could fix just about anything. He worked or consulted on many a home project, uncooperative appliance, and even mended a few broken hearts along the way.

Bryan was active in his community and was a member of the Elks Club, the Lions Club, and the Frank Kresan Legion Post 24 here in Lake Geneva. Bryan loved a good game of golf, but lamented that golf did not always love him back. Bryan was an avid boater with a true passion and the patience required for wooden boats, with Chris Craft being his favorite. A perfect day would have included some really loud classical music, shrimp egg foo young, a chocolate milkshake, a sunset cruise in his Chris Craft on Lake Geneva, and sipping a classic Brandy Old Fashion (mixed with diet cherry 7up) while sitting on the porch with Barb.

Bryan possessed a sharp mind and a quick wit. His use of dry sarcasm was epic and he was known for his famous observational expressions such as, “Wherever you go, there you are.”, “Wouldn’t that frost you.”, and family favorite, “I’m not asleep, I’m just resting my eyes.”

Bryan is survived by his wife of 70 years, Barbara, four children; Stephen (Denise) Cushman, Kirk (Kelly) Cushman, Elizabeth (Michael) Younkin, Neil (Dawn) Cushman, eight grandchildren; Alysia (Jim) Zurlo, Stephanie Baker, Kayne (Inga) Cushman, Kyleigh (Neil) Robinson, Ian (Jessica) Younkin, Shawn (Megan) Younkin, Bryan (Liz) Cushman, and Matt (Emily) Cushman, 7 great grandchildren; Mason and Noah Baker, Aiden and Logan Zurlo, Gwenivere and Diana Cushman, Chloe Robinson, sister-in-law Sally Prey, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents; Stephen and Velma, two sisters; Carolyn and Sharon (Blount), in-laws; Grace and Philip Vantwoud, sister-in-law Phyllis Duquette and brothers-in-law; John Vantwoud, Gary Prey, Donald Duquette, and Harry Blount, MD.

Bryan was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be greatly missed, but leaves wonderful memories of his sharp wit, kindness, and ability to see the goodness in the world.

A  Memorial Service is planned for the fall.

The Cushman Family wishes to extend special thanks to the Staff at Aurora At Home Health and Aurora Lakeland Medical Center for their compassion, care, and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the above mentioned medical facilities and St. Francis de Sales Angel Fund.

To sign the online guest register, please click the “Share a Memory” box on the left side of your screen.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting the Cushman family.

Aurora At Home Hospice
950 North 12th Street, Suite A511, Milwaukee WI 53233
Tel: 1-877-460-8730
Web: https://secure.aahgiving.org/site/Donation2?5055.donation=form1&df_id=5055&mfc_pref=T

St. Francis de Sales Church of Lake Geneva Wisconsin
148 West Main Street, Lake Geneva WI 53147
Tel: 1-262-248-8524
Email: parish@sfdslg.org
Web: https://sfdslg.org/school/

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