Loree "Loretta" Ann Cusey

                  Loree Ann “Loretta” Cusey, age 69, a lifelong Park Rapids, MN resident, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at her home in Park Rapids on Sunday, February 12, 2017.                 Loree was born on January 6, 1948 to Clifford and Clara (Beck) Harsha in Park Rapids as the youngest of ten children.  She attended Park Rapids public schools and was a member of the Class of 1966.  As a young woman, Loree met her future husband while roller skating at the Park Rapids Roller Skating Rink.  On January 23, 1965, she was united in marriage to Vernon Gilbert Cusey.  This union was blessed with five daughters: Toni, Tammy, Karen, Nancy and Sherri.  Loree devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and daughters.  She was a wonderful baker and will be long remembered for her many delicious baked goods. The Cusey home was the neighborhood gathering spot for all the neighborhood kids and Loree enjoyed providing day care for many children over the years.  Loree and Vern, along with sister, Judy and her husband, Dick Fieldsend bought the rollerskating rink, where she and Vern met and fell in love and  together they operated the rink for many years.  One of her first jobs outside the home was working at the Dixie Drive Inn where she worked until its closure.  Later, she worked as a nursing assistant at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga in a career that spanned over a decade.  She then gained employment working as a cook at Park Rapids Schools until her retirement in 2010; however, she continued working as a sub when her help was needed.  Loree was very active in numerous volunteer organizations devoted to helping others.  She was extremely involved in the girl scouting program for over 30 years where she served as a Girl Scout leader, as the Girl Scout cookie chairperson for many years and also served as part of the regional management team.  She was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #870 and was very active in the leadership of its auxiliary for many years.  In addition, Loree worked with the Food Angels program for small school age children, The Living At Home organization, Ruby’s Pantry and Relay for Life.   Loree was a long time member of the Riverside United Methodist Church.  Her faith in Christ was a big part of her life and she felt it important to follow Christ in obedience and was baptized later in her life.  Above all, Loree loved her children and grandchildren with a mother’s unconditional love.                 She will be lovingly remembered by her five daughters: Toni (Gordon) Keranen of Wolf Lake, MN, Tammy (Justin) Mettler of Rupert, ID, Karen (Kevin) Kocurek of Menahga, Nancy Cusey of Watertown, SD and Sherri (Steve) Cunningham of Park Rapids; eleven grandchildren: Sarah (Derek) Jones, Stephanie Keranen, Jerrod Keranen, Jedd Faughn, Kody Kocurek, Kristian Kocurek, Kameron Kocurek and Kiara Kocurek, Lauren Cunningham, Karson Kocurek and Matthew Cunningham.  Six brothers and sisters: Bill (Audrey) Harsha, Dick Harsha, Verna Jean Craig, Robert (Mary) Harsha, Judy (Dick) Fieldsend and Karol Jokela; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.                 Loree was preceded in death by her husband in 2002; her parents; a sister, Barbara and two brothers: Myron and Rodger.                 Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, February 20, 2017 at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids with the Reverend Chip Nielsen officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Sunday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and will continue at the church on Monday beginning one hour prior to the service.  Loree’s grandchildren will serve as her casket bearers.  Interment will be next to her husband in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids.  Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted for everyone.  To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com