Donald Francis Kuschel, Sr.

He was born October 29, 1950 in Dearborn, MI to Neil Lewis Rogers and Frances Elizabeth Barney. He attended Lee M. Thurston High School in Redford, MI where he met his best buddy, John Nowicke. Little did he know that he would follow in the footsteps of his father, who earned a Navy Cross and Purple Heart in WW II, when he enlisted in the Marines in 1968. He served two tours in Vietnam with the First Marine Division, earning a Navy Achievement Medal with combat V, a Purple Heart and rank of Sergeant, before returning to Camp Lejeune as the general's driver. After his service in the Marines, he attended Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, MI to study Pre-engineering, and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA for Mechanical Engineering. He began working as a draftsman in 1972 and retired as Vice President of Operations from International Steel Services, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA in 2017.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Wilhelm-Kuschel; and dog, Gabi; daughter, Melissa Kuschel (Terri Cutshall); sons, Greg Kuschel and Don (Felicia) Kuschel; grandson, Leo Kuschel; sisters, Roxanne Eaves (Dean Beatty), and Nancy (Steve) Dorais; brothers, Gordon (Patty) Rogers, Mark (Robin) Kuschel, Shawn (Deana) Rogers; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Neil; mother, Frances; step-father, Norman Kuschel; brother, Neil Patrick Rogers; and sisters, Laura Garrow and Suzanne Baumeister.

Don was an avid lover of cars and motorcycles. His garage and man cave were never without a project. In lieu of gifts or flowers, memorial contributions for Donald can be made to Semper Fi & America's Fund, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Wounded Warrior Project, USMC League Toys for Tots Drive or the charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. Service and military honors will begin at 10:00 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Kuschel family.