Bert Richard Cusac

Born August 10, 1939, in LaSalle to Irwin Leo “Pinch” and Gladys Bernadine (Harvey) Cusac, he married Shirley Ann Gohl on June 13, 1959 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. She survives. Meeting Bert at 14 they then continued a life commitment of marriage spanning 66 years. Shirley loved Bert and will miss him dearly. Cherishing their family and his hard work ethic, Bert provided their family with everything they needed in life.

Also surviving are one son, Dan (Gina) Cusac of Godfrey; one son-in-law, David Smith of Pekin; two daughters-in-law, Karen Cusac of East Peoria and Lisa Cusac of Metamora; eleven grandchildren, Steven Cusac of Creve Coeur, Stephanie Mordhorst of Washington, Carrie (Michael) Miles of Pekin, Bethany Cusac of East Peoria, Kristine Smith, Ashley Smith, both of Pekin, Tara (Joey) Cruz of Aberdeen, North Carolina, Alexa Cusac of Bloomington, Ava Cusac of Metamora, Ben Cusac of Norh Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and Kyle Cusac of Godfrey; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Irwin “Jr.” Cusac of Appleton, Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, David Cusac and Steven Cusac; one daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Smith; two brothers, William Cusac and Donald Cusac and one sister, Patricia Glossick.

Bert was part of the first graduating class at Limestone Community High School.

He worked on the railroad for more than 40 years, last working as a conductor with the Chicago and North Western Railway on the Metropolitan Rail in the Chicagoland area. He started with the Rock Island Railway.

Bert was a member of Frank N. Nicol Lodge #1170, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Creve Coeur. He also was a member of the Mohammed Temple, Shrine in Bartonville and Abbas Grotto in East Peoria. Bert was active in frying fish and in the upkeep of the grounds at the Grotto for many years. Passionate about fishing, Bert and Shirley enjoyed renovating and staying at their river island cabin on the Mississippi river. Bert also enjoyed hosting a good fish fry for his family and building fishing rods from scratch. Most of all, he always loved being around his grandkids and attended many of their games, plays, and school ceremonies honoring their achievements. He was a fan of NASCAR and attended many races with his sons and friends and other loved ones.

He was a member of Creve Coeur Christian Church, where he enjoyed helping with the food pantry.

Masonic Rites will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur, with a funeral service immediately following. Pastor John Plunkett will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Creve Coeur Christian Church, 101 South Thorncrest Avenue, Creve Coeur, IL 61610.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com