He was born November 30, 1940 to Ralph & Mabel Cushman in Montevideo, MN. Byron attended school in Montevideo, MN where he enjoyed singing in the choir and graduated in 1958. From March 1959 through January 1963 he served in the United States Air Force where he co-piloted and worked on B59’s. After continuing his education at Granite Falls Technical College, in 1965 Byron began his career at Control Data in Arden Hills, MN where he designed and programed software on main frame computers. On October 15, 1966 Byron married Melinda Raddohl and to this union 2 children were born. Byron and his family lived in Coon Rapids, MN much of his life until 1991 where he continued his career at Cray Research developing the Super Computer in Chippewa Falls, WI. While they traveled back to their Coon Rapids home often, Byron and Melinda maintained a home in Chippewa Falls, WI until his death. Byron’s greatest love was his grandchildren & great-granddaughter. Byron loved to deer & pheasant hunt with family. Many a summers were spent at the lake where his love for fishing was infectious. Sunday mornings you could find him running the sound board at United Methodist Church of Anoka in Anoka, MN and enjoying great fellowship afterwards. A favorite pastime was his love for the outdoors and tending to his lawn, which was always well manicured and beautiful. He will truly be remembered for his willingness to always help others, his warm smile, laughter and gentle kindness to all.
He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph & Mabel Cushman, 3 brothers: Leland, Allen and Dennis; 2 sisters: Lois & Shirley and 2 granddaughters: Jessica & Kaylie.
Byron will be lovingly missed by his wife, Melinda; two children: Brenda (Rob) Badzinski; Nancy (Bryon) Eppenberger; 6 grandchildren: Matthew, Erin, Sara, Thomas, Tyler and Sydney; and great-granddaughter: Flora.
Funeral 11am Monday 5/3 at Gearhart Funeral Home 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448 763-755-6300. Visitation 1 hour prior. Interment Morningside Memorial Gardens Coon Rapids, MN.
