Wally Huss, 87
A resident of Jordan, MN, Wally Huss, age 87, passed away peacefully Monday, May 9, 2016, at Oak Terrace Senior Living in Jordan. Wally lived his entire life by the three “f’s”...Family, Farming and Faith.
The family greeted guests on Friday, May 13, from 4-8 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Jordan and on Saturday, May 14 starting at 9:30 am, prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. Father Timothy Yanta presided. Wally’s eight children were pallbearers, along with his grandchildren and two brothers as honorary bearers. He was laid to rest at St. John Calvary Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard.
Family was Wally’s greatest passion and accomplishment. John and Martha (Schwingler) Huss proudly announced on October 26, 1928, the birth of Wallace Joseph Huss in New Prague, MN. He was the second of nine children. Very proud of his German heritage, Wally crossed the line to the Irish side, when Wally married Mary Helen McDonald on June 23, 1956 at Jesseland Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with eight children. Over time, Wally relished attending and supporting his children and grandchildren in their sporting activities and school events. As his children grew up, Sunday afternoons were spent playing ball, listening to old time music, taking car rides, visiting family and sharing in a special meal. As Wally became a grandpa, he was extremely proud to say (at one point) 1/10 of the St. John’s School students were his grandchildren. They brought Wally so much joy, with everyone being the favorite!
On the farm, Wally quickly learned the true meaning of hard work, dedication and the skills of survival. These were all characteristics he carried through his life. Wally grew up on the rather large farm of 210 acres in Union Hill, MN. Earlier days were filled with milking cows by hand, working the fields with horses and raising hogs, chickens and beef in order to survive and trade for other groceries the family needed. After marrying, Wally farmed in Union Hill with his brother Linus for a short time, began a new life on a farm in Jordan. Here, he devoted his life continuing to work the land his dad nurtured, now with his wife and children at his side, until retiring in 1991. Wally was proud to be able to provide for his entire family.
Wally’s life was enriched and blessed with a deep faith in God. He was taught by Catholic teachers at Union Hill Catholic School and later graduated from New Prague High School. As a young boy, Saturday morning’s he and his siblings attended religion classes. Wally served as an altar boy and was hoping to become a deacon someday. He trusted God would protect him as Wally served in the United States Army for several years. Later on in life, he proudly served on the St. John’s School Board. For about 20 years, Wally devoted his life as a custodian at St. John’s, where he loved to take care of the buildings and especially the children. After the passing of Mary on July 6, 1998, he became involved in the St. John’s choir and mission trips. Wally consistently watched the EWTN TV program. But through it all, it was his faith that molded him and how he led by example, the reason his children and grandchildren are who they are today! Wally always smiled, was silly in nature and loved to play practical jokes. He was especially honest, kind, compassionate, humble and unselfish…all characteristic of Jesus. A true inspiration to those he touched.
Family, farming and faith were most important. Wally enjoyed playing Sheephead, having his back scratched, his hair combed and drinking a warm Pfeiffer Beer. After retirement, Wally enjoyed fishing and gardening.
Forever missed, Wally will forever remain in the hearts of his beloved children, Connie (Dan) Hennen, Marty (Lori) Huss, Jim (Patty) Huss, Peggy (Brad) Heitkamp, Elizabeth (Craig) Larson, Robert Huss, Barb (Al) Weierke, Patti (Tony) Schmidt; 31 Grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings: Janice Neisen, Roger (Marlys) Huss, Ludy Giesen, Marlene (Larry) Voigt, Marvin (Ev) Huss; brother-in law, Richard (Ann) Hartman; many relatives and friends. Wally is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; daughter-in-law, Susan Huss; parents; siblings, Carol Huss, Linus (Theresa) Huss and Margie Hartman; brothersin- law, Ted Neisen, Gerald Giesen; and special friend, MaryAnn Terwedo.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Huss family. ballardsunderfuneral.com Wally Huss
