Kenneth Dusing Obituary

Kenneth W. Dusing, 95, who as a young man left his family's farm in Sterling, Illinois during the Depression to seek his fortune in Chicago and went on to become president of Great Lakes Overseas, a steamship agency that pioneered the Great Lakes to Europe shipping trade in 1934, died June 27 at Beacon Hill Retirement Community in Lombard. During his tenure at Great Lakes Overseas, the agency was part of a number of milestones for the country and city. An agency ship was the first ocean going ship to reach Chicago through the new St. Lawrence Seaway on April 28, 1959. Mr. Dusing testified before Congress on the proposed Seaway's benefits and he and his wife were invited guests on the Coast Guard cutter that was the first vessel to proceed through the new seaway locks at the dedication ceremonies that were attended by President Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth II. During World War II the shipping agency operations were moved to New York where agency ships escorted by U. S. Navy convoys supplied food to Britain. No ship was lost or missed meeting a convoy. In 1954 an agency ship transported marble to Chicago for the Prudential Building, the first skyscraper built in Chicago since the Board of Trade building in 1930. Mr. Dusing enjoyed his work -every day- he said. He looked forward to solving problems. In retirement he enjoyed growing roses and tomatoes, traveling, sports, and history. A life-long learner he had just finished reading a 520-page biography of Abraham Lincoln which he read several words at a time under his magnifying reader since he was legally blind. Mr. Dusing encouraged his children and grandchildren to be curious and adventuresome and to work and play hard. A resident of Glen Ellyn for 50 years, he is survived by his wife Alberta, daughter Karen Jared (John) of Evanston, sons Reginald (Jill) of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and Kent (Leslie) of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren Damon (Alana) and Kristine Nesbitt (Randy) of Austin, Texas, Kenneth (Beatrice) of San Antonio, Texas, Scott (Jennifer) of Cleveland, Ohio, Jon of Quito, Ecuador, Brent (Thuli) of Milpitas, California, Bradley, Mark, and Sam of Lee's Summit, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law Betty Wieand of Lombard. A memorial service is planned at the Beacon Hill Retirement Community in Du Pahze Hall, 2400 S. Finley Road, Lombard, 60148 (630-620-5850) at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 4. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Salvation Army, Evanston Corps, 1403 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 would be appreciated.