Dexter Thusius

Thusius, Dexter "Dex" Aloysius, age 80, of Madison, died on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Oakwood Village after a long illness with Alzheimer's. Dex was born June 10, 1931 in Watertown, Wisconsin, the son of Viola (Zarling) and Henry Thusius. His younger years were spent in Watertown attending Luther Prep High School, graduating from high school in 1949. Furthering his education, Dex graduated in 1954 from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. Dex also served two years in the armed forces (Army - Transportation) during the Korean War from 1954-1956. Dex married Patricia Mae (Manley) on July 3, 1954, in Madison, and lived in Virginia, Illinois, and Wisconsin, spending the last 45 years in Madison. In addition to a very successful business career with Northern Paper Company, the University of Wisconsin, and the State of Wisconsin, Dex was also very active in the church, serving on many committees and assisting with various projects to ensure the future of both churches he was so devoted to, both Eastside Lutheran Church and Holy Cross Lutheran Church. In June of 1997, he married Diane Christianson, of Madison. Dex was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his mother, Viola, and his father, Henry. He is survived by his four children, Susan (Paul) Thierfelder of Sturgeon Bay; Mark (Paula) of Kenosha; Sara (Joseph) Marconi of Wheaton, Illinois; and Amy (Brett) LaRonge of Green Bay; 12 grandchildren, Matthew, Mark and Sara Thierfelder; Bryan, Stephen and Andrew Thusius; Kathryn, Joseph, Julianna, and Anneliese Marconi; and Jacob and Abigail LaRonge; and his wife, Diane. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakwood Village East, 5565 Tancho Drive, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Pastor Byron Bunge will officiate. Friends may call on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Cress Funeral Home, 3325 East Washington Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Alzheimer's Foundation, 6920 111th Ct., Kenosha, WI 53142.