Kenneth Lee Nussbaum passed away on September 16, 2017 at The Waters of Batesville. He was born on August 15, 1932 in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming to Claude and Gladys Nussbaum. When Ken finished eighth grade, he went to live with an aunt and uncle in the Sundance area of Wyoming as a ranch hand, earning the nickname, The Sundance Kid.
Ken worked for Shell Oil Exploration for many years. During this time he married Juanita Mae Walker on July 10, 1954. It was a nomad life; the family moved 11 times in 13 years. They arrived in Gaylord, Michigan in 1968 where he retired in 1990. Gaylord had became home to both Ken and Juanita. Their house there was his first “real” home and he was very reluctant to leave. They moved to Batesville on a part time basis in 2006 and permanently in 2008.
After Ken’s retirement he developed the habit of “coffee with the boys.” He would spend most of his mornings kibitzing with the crew around the table at Glen’s in Gaylord then later McDonald’s in Batesville. A man of faith, Ken was a long time member of the Gaylord United Methodist Church, later transferring his membership to Batesville UMC. He held several offices, including Chairman of the Trustees.
Ken and Juanita traveled the country in their motor home, attending family reunions and even making it up to Alaska. He developed a love of woodwork and spent many months stripping all the woodwork in his home back to the original finish. He always had a small garden in the back yard and was very particular of his flowers. He was a fan of John Wayne and collected memorabilia and his movies. After suffering a stroke he became more sedentary and watched a lot of television. His favorite shows were Two and a Half Men, Bonanza and Andy Griffith.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Gladys (nee: Reynolds), his wife, seven brothers, and infant daughter Bonnie Jo.
Ken is survived by his daughter Barbara (Kent) Nettnay of Batesville, sons Gerald (Susan) Nussbaum of Surrey, BC and Mark (Debbi) Nussbaum of Oak Park, IL; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, a brother Jay (Shelbia) Nussbaum of Cheyenne, Wyoming, a sister Betty Necklason of Sundance, Wyoming and numerous sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the Batesville United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Renick officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summer Food for Kids, PO Box 351, Batesville, IN 47006. Online condolences www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.