Kenneth G. Lusher

Kenneth G. Lusher, 89, of Perrysburg passed away Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg. He was born in Perrysburg Township on May 12, 1922 to Elmer and Frances (Vetter) Lusher. He attended Perrysburg High School, graduating in 1940. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Case Institute of Technology (now Case Western Reserve) in Cleveland. He graduated from Case in 1943 with a B.S. in Engineering. Having joined the U.S. Navy prior to graduation, he then attended Midshipman’s School at the U.S. Naval Academy where he was commissioned an ensign.

Ken was assigned as an engineer aboard the USS-LST 938 and spent most of the next two years in the Pacific. He participated in invasions in the Philippines and Borneo and traveled extensively in the Pacific, including trips to Japan, China and Australia.

Returning home in 1946, Ken was discharged from the Navy and accepted an offer as an instructor of Thermodynamics at Case. He later was a member of the engineering staff at Glass Fibers, Inc. in Waterville. From 1950-1954, he worked in the Engineering Department at Sun Oil Co. In 1954, he joined Owens-Illinois at the Technical Center. His last project before retirement was in the development of plasma panels for flat screen televisions. He holds 14 US patents and authored three published technical papers. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Technical Association of the Graphic Arts and a Professional Engineer of Ohio.

He married the love of his life, Margaret Kamps on July 22, 1950 and then built their home in Perrysburg where they lived for 42 years. In 1961, he purchased a travel trailer and traveled with his family extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1993, he and his wife purchased a winter home near Ft. Myers, FL where they spent 12 winters golfing, relaxing, and entertaining family and friends. He was a member of the Heron’s Glen Country Club and Tanglewood Golf Club and was proud of scoring a Hole-in-One in his favorite game.

Kenneth was a lifelong member of Zoar Lutheran Church, serving on church council in various capacities. He was active in scouting, serving as Cubmaster and Neighborhood commissioner.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Margaret Lusher; daughter Nancy (Jeff) Kramer of Monclova Township; sons, Bradley (Elaine) Lusher of Pleasanton, CA and Dean (Patti) Lusher of Waterville. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Matt (Susie) Kramer, Lauren (Perry) Seal, Andrew Lusher, and Corrine and Camille Lusher and two great-grandchildren, Max and Leah.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 and 6-8 P.M. on Monday, August 15, 2011 in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary, Perrysburg (419-874-3133). Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E Indiana Ave., Perrysburg with burial to follow at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Zoar Lutheran Church or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.