Walter Beusse, Niles Leader, Dies at Age 92

UPDATE

Here is the biography of Walter Beusse, who passed away Thursday, from the Niles Historical Society, of which he was a past president. 

Walter M. Beusse  07/05/21 – 09/26/13

     Walt, a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, had been a Niles resident for approximately 55 years and retired from Teletype Corporation as a Senior Engineer with over 45 years of service. He served in the Navy Sea Bees 2 ½ years, primarily in the Pacific Theater, during World War II. Walt is a member of the Niles VFW Memorial Post #7712 for 26 years, a Past Commander, and served as Quartermaster for 12 years.
     Walt had seen Niles grow and has been a vital part of many organizations and accomplishments for this great community. Walt was a parishioner of St. John de Brebeuf since 1955, a North American Martyrs member for 62 years, and a Past Grand Knight. He received the Holy Name “Man of The Year” in 1988 and in 1989, and was the “Niles Citizen of the Year” 25 years. Since 1962 he has participated in the Niles Baseball League as a coach, manager, and has held a variety of positions with the league, including board member, treasurer, president, commissioner, sponsor chairman and currently financial chairman.
     Walt had been a member of the Lions Club since 1956 and had held various positions including being President for four terms. He was also granted the Melvin Jones award for community service in 1994, and awarded the “Lion of The Year” in District 1-F in 1995.
     Walter was a former Elected Niles Park District Commissioner and had served the community for 22 years. As a Freshman Commissioner, he consummated the idea of creating the original free bus service for purpose of having accessible transportation to the parks, the golf course and the ice rink. This successful program was later turned over to the Village of Niles for the benefit of the entire Village. At the same time he pioneered the Maine-Niles recreation program for the Handicapped; appointed its first Chairman in 1972. It is called the M-NASR program. Walt also fostered the girl’s softball, Olympics, fish derby, figure skating and hockey.
     In 2006 Walt was awarded the recipient of the second “Bob Wordel Living Legend of Niles Award’ by the Niles Chamber of Commerce.
     Walt was past President of the Niles Historical Society from 2010 to 2013. He was Project Manager of a Major Renovation Program that was completed at the Museum in 2009 with the Grand Reopening on April 25, 2010. Based on many technical issues, the project took four years to materialize its completion. The primary features of the renovation are the installation of an elevator and associated ramps to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
     Walt was married to his lovely wife Lorraine for 64 years. They have three children, having lost Pamela in 2008, and they have six grandchildren.

ORIGINAL STORY

Walter Beusse, 92, past president of the Niles Historical Society and involved in many other facets of Niles life for decades, passed away Sept. 26.

His obituary from Skaja Funeral Home reads as follows. 

Walter M. Beusse; age 92, of Niles; Navy Seabee Veteran WW II; beloved husband of Lorraine nee Szewc; Loving father of John, Dr. Walter J. (Marie) and the late Pamela; cherished grandfather of Shannan, Kristin, Melissa, Daniel, Michael, Sarah; devoted son of the late Walter and Esther; dear brother of the late James; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews and survived by many caring friends; Visitation Tuesday 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles; funeral Wednesday 9:00 am to St John Brebeuf Church for mass 10:00 am., Interment St Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the charity of your choice. Walt was devoted to many organizations in the All America City of Niles. For inf. 847-966-7302 or sign a guest book at www.skajafuneralhomes.com

Patch will try to add information about Mr. Beusse's many accomplishments. Please add your reminiscence in the comments, below.