Everyone at Cowsmopolitan wishes to pass on our deepest sympathies and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Wisconsin Milking Shorthorn breeder Aaron Kuske of Osceola, who passed away on June 20th.
On June 20, 2017 Aaron Hugo Kuske passed peacefully into heaven. Aaron was born on August 16, 1926 to Hugo and Laura (Lutz) Kuske in the farm house that he’s lived his entire life in. Aaron was baptized and attended Zion Lutheran Church. Aaron lived a very full 90 years as a farmer, sports enthusiast and man for his family.
Aaron started farming at Riverdale Farm. He used horse teams, worked on a threshing crew, raised turkeys, chickens and pigs. His animal of choice became the dairy style Milking Shorthorn. Aaron made his mark in the Milking Shorthorn business as a breeder/owner, showman, and active member of the State and National Milking Shorthorn Associations. Highlights included Citizen of the Year for the National Milking Shorthorn Association, many owner and breeder awards and blue ribbons at dairy shows throughout the nation. In 2007 he celebrated 50 years of showing at the Minnesota State Fair. He hosted dairy cattle judging teams from Polk County 4-H, UW-River Falls, the University of ND and MN, earning the prestigious Gopher Dairy Club Award.
Aaron was an Osceola Chieftain and Wisconsin sports fan ALL of his life. He played baseball, basketball, and football earning his diploma in 1945. He often had the radio on one game and the TV on another. He coached 4-H softball, and enjoyed watching OHS sporting events especially when his granddaughters played. Aaron enjoyed playing 500 with his cousins, fishing and dinner out.
Aaron passed on his love for showing cattle and watching sports onto 3 generations. Last week, Aaron enjoyed watching his family tackle farm projects and took his final ranger ride to check the cattle and crops.
Aaron is preceded in death by his parents and sister: Luella Viebrock.
During the past 15 years, Aaron’s life has been blessed by and shared with his special friend, Myrtle Lehman. Aaron is survived by daughters: Laurie (Bill) McKenzie, Peggy (Jeff) Rydeen, Jodee Kuden, Sara (Brian) Basel, and Rachel Kuske. Grandchildren: Kristi (Daren) Cherney, Krissa (Chad) Splittstoesser, Melissa Ingram, Kelli (Marces) Morales, Katie (AJ) Hansen, Lisa Rydeen, Shelby Basel, Aaron Basel. Great grandchildren: Andrew, Alease, Landon, Lucy, Eva, Owen, Sam, Harrison and Aubree.