Ned Nusbaum

Ned Alwin Nusbaum Sr. passed away Wednesday at Midland Hospice in Topeka. He was 91. Neds first love was his wife and his family. He married Helen Marn Nusbaum Aug. 3, 1940, in St. Joseph, Mo. They were married for 62 years, until Helen passed away in 2002. They raised four children, and that family was the focus of all their love. There were hard times and great times. In 1942, Ned left for World War II, leaving behind his wife and a baby boy. He would return in 1945, after serving with the 866th Aviation Engineers in the Pacific. He participated in the major campaigns of the Philippines, including invasions on the islands of Leyte and Mindoro. He was justifiably proud of his service to his country, and was the recipient of three service medals. After the war, Ned returned to Helen and Ned Jr. and a small home in Highland Park. Then, in 1951, the family moved to the Potwin area, where Ned and Helen would raise four children on Quinton, and then later, Kendall streets. Ned worked for Adams Business Forms as a pressman for 42 years. During some lean times and in order to keep up with the bills of a growing family, Ned also worked for approximately five years at Washburn Rural High School as a cook. He worked 16 hours a day in those years, but never complained. As economic times improved and the children began to grow up, Helen took over the cooking duties at Washburn Rural and Ned got a chance to relax a little as in one, 40-hour per week job, plus overtime on Saturdays until he retired in 1982. Ned was born Jan. 7, 1916, in Des Moines, Iowa. His parents, Emerson and Fannie Nusbaum, moved to Topeka soon after Ned was born. He was graduated from Highland Park High School and remained proud of his affiliation with the Highland Park community the rest of his life. He was a religious man, but enjoyed a good cigar and a big fish. He also tried his hand at carpentry, building a small cabin for his family at Lake Wabaunsee in the early 1960s. He and Helen were devoted members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Topeka, and it served as an anchor for them as they raised their children. The last few years were difficult for Ned, as Alzheimers robbed him of his memory. But for 20 years after his retirement, he was able to live a rich life which centered on his children and their families, including 11 grandchildren. Those years also brought much joy to Ned and Helen as they were active in numerous organizations, including the VFW and the American Legion. They also enjoyed traveling. But mostly they enjoyed their children and grandchildren. Ned is survived by four children: Ned Nusbaum (Joleen), Topeka; Beverly Nusbaum Johnson (Bob), San Rafael, Cal.; Paul Nusbaum (Debbie), Platte City, Mo.; and Mark Nusbaum (Sherry), Topeka. Ned was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, in 2002, and his sister, Leone Nusbaum Zook. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Penwell Gabel Midtown. Viewing for family and friends will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Topeka. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com