Mike and McKuster family I’m so very sorry for the lossof your father, grandfather and great grandfather Bill. My condolences to you for your loss of your dearly beloved. His leaving to the great beyond will certainly leave a hole in your presence. May your memories with him help you with the loss of him. I give you virtual hugs and prayers. Your neighbor Chris Glover
William McCusker
September 23, 1931 ~ September 20, 2025
William “Bill” Edward McCusker, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Oldorf Hospice House. Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2025, with visitation held from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Bill was born on September 23, 1931, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of William “Frank” and Agnes (Hurley) McCusker. He was united in marriage to Norma Donovan on June 7, 1952, in Waterloo. They were married for 73 years.
Bill served honorably in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955. He served in the Bay Area, and spent far more time on planes than on boats. Forever after, he had fond memories of his time in the service, and the many friends he had made. After the Navy Bill went to the University of Iowa and got a Journalism degree in 1958. He worked at a number of small Ad Agencies from 1958 to 1965, when he landed a job at MorAmerica/Morris Plan, where he worked from 1965 to 1987. He loved being responsible for the writing, photography, and overall advertising strategy. Bill prided himself on his writing and anyone who ever received one of his letters or e-mails, long or short, encountered something sharp, thoughtful and memorable. For many years after his time at Morris Plan, Bill coordinated many political campaigns and helped elect many prominent politicians in the City of Cedar Rapids. He really loved this work.
Bill was told in college that anyone who read less than three newspapers a day was woefully uninformed. There was never a more determined reader in pursuit of what was happening in the world, in politics, in business, in music, you name it. He had a journalist’s nose for news and if you made a claim about one thing or another, you had better be prepared to be challenged on your thinking. But he did it all with a smile. Bill loved to talk, to argue, and to BS. Bill loved life. He savored it. He loved every meal.
Bill hated sports, all sports. He wouldn’t have known a Touchdown from a Home Run.
Bill was an accomplished photographer and camera nut, a technology nut in general. He shot 8mm and 16mm movies of his children when they were tots at Christmas, he interviewed them on high quality reel-to-reel audiotape. He had the first cell phone in the 1970s, when the phone was as big as a football and the receiver filled half of his car trunk. He was first to buy video cameras, VHS and otherwise. Taking pictures of his family made his world go round. He printed them all, and had them framed, and proudly displayed them around his home. For all of his Effort and Care and Love, his family is eternally grateful. His wife Norma was his everything. He loved her desperately, and he needed her. During his last hours on Earth, when he was barely able to speak, he held her hand and gently tugged and tugged and tugged. He wanted to take her with him. His last words were “I’m not going to die.” He wanted more.
Bill is survived by his wife Norma, children, Mike McCusker, Tim (Janice) McCusker, and John (Shary) McCusker; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Bob (Bev) McCusker; and sister-in-law, Marg Richards.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cathy McCusker, and sisters, Mary Horan and Elaine Babcock.
Memorials may be made to the Oldorf Hospice House.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Bill’s tribute wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com
Broadcast Date:
Services
Visitation:
Thursday, September 25, 2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services - Cedar Rapids
1844 1st Ave. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-362-2147
info@stewartbaxter.com
Add to My Calendar
America/Chicago
2025-09-25 09:30:00
2025-09-25 10:30:00
William McCusker Visitation
Visitation
1844 1st Ave. NE,Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Funeral Service:
Thursday, September 25, 2025
10:30 am
Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services - Cedar Rapids
1844 1st Ave. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-362-2147
info@stewartbaxter.com
Add to My Calendar
America/Chicago
2025-09-25 10:30:00
2025-09-25 10:30:00
William McCusker Funeral Service
Funeral Service
1844 1st Ave. NE,Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Burial: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
375 32nd St. Dr. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
319-362-4659
Add to My Calendar
America/Chicago
2025-09-25 00:00:00
2025-09-25 00:00:00
William McCusker Burial
Burial
375 32nd St. Dr. SE,Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
