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(May 11, 1921-March 3, 2012)
Edward J. Husemann of Cody died on March 3, 2012, of esophageal cancer. He was born on May 11, 1921, in the small farming community of Lindsay, Neb., the fifth of five children, to Anton and Mary Gaspers Husemann.
He was 90.
Ed received his grade and high school education in Lindsay, graduating in 1938. He was employed by the Department of Justice in Minnesota when the Japanese struck Pearl Harbor, and he joined the Navy as an enlisted man. He received much of his education while he was in the service. Upon his discharge in April of 1946 with the rank of ensign, Supply Corps, he returned to the University of Michigan to complete his education, graduating with a master’s degree in business in 1947. He earned his certified public accountant certificate in 1951.
Ed came to Cody in mid-1947 as an accountant with the firm that was serving Husky Oil Co. as their major client. After five years with that firm, he joined Husky as treasurer. He married Athalyn Jean Worrall in June 1949. To that union were born three beautiful daughters, Harriet Theresa, Athalyn Jean and Mary Catherine. He served in several executive positions with Husky until 1964, when he and the family moved first to Shreveport, La., and later to Houston, to be with Rimrock Tidelands, a subsidiary of Husky. He took early retirement in 1970 when that company was sold.
In 1972 the family returned to Cody, the place they always felt was home. Ed never really retired, staying involved with accounting and productive activity in the community. He was a member of the Rotary Club, serving one year as president; the Lions Club, Elks Club, American Legion and the Chamber of Commerce. He supported projects that were good for the town, such as the Paul Stock Aquatic and Recreation Center, Cody SkatePark, Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center and Sleeping Giant Ski Area. He actively promoted local golf as well.
He and his family enjoyed fishing. Many were the happy times they spent on the North Fork of the Shoshone River on the Carl Ballinger ranch and on the Mary Riddle ranch in Sunlight Basin. Ed also loved golf, spending his share of time on the course, and he greatly enjoyed growing tomatoes every summer.
His wife, Athalyn, died in November 1999 after a lengthy illness. The following year he struck up a friendship with Jerry Allen of Cody, whom he had known since 1953. While they never married, they became constant companions, looking after each other and enjoying a wonderful shared life.
Ed and Jerry were known as the couple that was always holding hands. This loving and caring relationship lasted until he died.
Two sisters, Evelyn Quiter and Annette Cox, and a brother, Michael, all from Omaha, Neb., preceded Ed in death. Surviving are one remaining sister, Helen Donaldson Hollers, of Washington, D.C., and St. Petersburg, Fla.; offspring of his sister Evelyn; and brother-in-law John A. Worrall and family of Worland. Also surviving are his three daughters, Harriet of Salem, Ore.; Lyn of Palm Springs, Calif.; and Mary of Bozeman, Mont.
Ed’s remains have been cremated. He felt that life was enough, and by his request, there will be no memorial service. On a summer day at some time in the future, his three daughters will spread his ashes on private land near the top of Dead Indian Hill, where those of his wife were spread 12 years ago.
An online memorial and guestbook is available at ballardfh.com.
