Lonnie Richard Gusa

Lonnie Richard Gusa, 76, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born March 22, 1943 to Irle and Luella (Schellhammer) Gusa in Kansas City, Missouri.

Lonnie graduated from Elgin High School in Minnesota in 1961 and lived in Sioux City, Iowa for many years before moving to Urbandale to be closer to family. He worked at various locations for HyVee and Walmart and enjoyed the people he met throughout the years.

Lonnie was a long time member of the Minnesota Jaycees where he won many local chapter awards and served as Chapter President in Stewartville and as the Minnesota State Regional Vice President. He was an avid Minnesota sports team enthusiast, never letting go of his home state roots. Lonnie loved dogs and the companionship they provided.

Lonnie was active in Morningside Lutheran Church in Sioux City, particularly playing on the church softball team where his daughters spent many hours hanging out and playing on the team. He was a proud and involved father, especially being there for his daughters when they were young. He would go to all their events and made sure, in his own way, that they knew he loved them.

Lonnie is survived by his daughters, Christine (Dusty) Svec of Urbandale, Iowa and Kimberly (Gary) Rogowski of St. Louis, Missouri; granddaughters, Morgan, Lola, and Stella; brother, Steve (Karmen) Gusa; mother of his children, Nancy Vaught; and a host of other family and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will held from 10 am to 11am with a memorial service at 11am Friday, June 28, 2019 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa. His cremains will be laid to rest next to his parents at Elgin Cemetery in Elgin, Minnesota.

Lonnie liked to show his gratitude and appreciation to those around him. In his private way throughout the years, he made contributions and gifts to the places that were important to him. That is why the family is encouraging memorial contributions to be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa at www.arl-iowa.org or Lutheran Church of Hope at www.lutheranchurchofhope.org in his loving memory.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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