Jean Alva Marie Kusser, 66, of Sturgis, died Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Sturgis, SD.

Jean was born on July 28, 1955, in Faith, SD, to Ray and Dorothy (Horton) Edwards. She joined three other siblings, Harlan, Judy, and Russel. She grew up in Dupree and moved to Sturgis and then onto Castle Rock, CO. She graduated in 1973, from Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, CO.

Jean married Robert Kusser on September 19, 1984, in Sturgis, SD. She welcomed Bob's son, Shannon into her life, and 1985, she welcomed a daughter, Jessica Jean, in 1987, and she welcomed a son, Joshua Robert.

She enlisted in SD Army National Guard (SDARNG) on September 30, 1976. Basic training was in May -July in 1977; Advanced Individual Training was in July-August of 1977; School trained Grader Operator 62K; other training and specialties include: Administrative Specialist / Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO); and Military Instructor. She was a member of the 842 ^nd Engineer Co, of Spearfish and Deadwood; 109 ^th Battalion, Sturgis, SD; and SD Military Academy, Fort Meade, SD. She retired as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) from SDARNG on November 1, 1996, after 20 years of dedicated service; the same day her husband, Robert retired from SDARNG. Jean was a proud member of American Legion Post #33.

Jean also graduated from Black Hills State University in 1995, with a bachelor's in education. She taught for 17 years in Meade County School District in Special Education while being in the SDARNG.

Jean had many hobbies which included, bowling, fishing, chasing around kids sporting events, later chasing around grandkid's activities, and bingo. She always enjoyed her rally family. Jean was always known for her laugh, and quick witty comebacks. She was best for being known as "Mean Jean".

Jean is survived by her husband, Robert of Sturgis, SD; daughter, Jessica of Sturgis, SD; and son, Joshua (Alisha) of Rapid City, SD; grandsons, Zachary of Sturgis, SD, Kaisen, and Roanin, both of Rapid City, SD; granddaughter, Brittany (Kevin) of Champlin, MN; great-grandchildren, Landon, and McKenzie, of Champlin, MN; siblings, Harlan (Lois) Edwards of Kilgore, TX, Judy (Mike) Gorman of Rapid City, SD, and Russel (Carol) Edwards of Maitland, SD; many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Ray (Dorothy) Edwards; infant sister, Dorothy Rae; son, Shannon; father-in-law, Bill Kusser; in-laws, Wanda Kusser, Roger Kutz, and Vicky Edwards; and other family and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.

Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at United Methodist Church in Sturgis with a committal service to follow with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers an educational fund has been established for Jean's grandchildren at Northern Hills Federal Credit Union.

Click on the link to view service folder