Oren "Heusie" Lee Heusinkvelt

Oren Lee Heusinkvelt was born on October 3rd, 1940 to Owen and Leah Heusinkvelt south of Sprague, Nebraska. He grew up there on the farm, rising early each day, doing chores, and milking the cows every day before going to school. After high school, he started working as a laborer on the Sheldon Power Plant as it was transitioning to coal. It was there he developed the love of working in the iron-worker’s trade. After becoming a Certified Welder, he joined the Iron Workers Union Local 21, where he was a member for over 40 years.

Shortly after starting his construction career, he met Genevieve Olson. She soon captured his heart and they were married on August 3rd, 1963. Not long after, they were blessed by the arrival of sons Myron then Bryan. A few years later, daughter Juanita arrived. He was soon chasing the kids around the area as they became active in school and Boy Scouts. As an adult Scouter he would eventually become Scout Master leading Troop 64 over many years of camping and canoeing adventures.

In 1987 he retired from scouting when he and Genevieve purchased Cortland Dairy Sweet. Here they served smiles and ice cream cones for twelve years until his retirement when they switched their time to traveling in their new 5th wheel RV. They thoroughly enjoyed meeting new friends and visiting campsites across the US. When Oren wasn’t traveling, he was deeply involved in his seven grandsons’ Scouting experiences and personally helped with each one of their Eagle Scout Projects.

Oren was so very proud of all his grandkids and checked in with them regularly. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories with the grand kids and great grand kids and keeping up with all their adventures. His proudest moments were attending all the weddings so far.

On May 1st, 2025 Oren passed away from complications after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his three children, nine grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and sisters, May Ann Stevens and Fern Sullivan.