During this Friday's inaugural “Salute to Service” pre-game ceremony, a special dedication will be made to heroes from the Kingsley and Benzie Central communities. Benzie Central's 2022 "Salute to Service - Special Dedication Honoree" is Walter John Nuske.
Walter John Nuske attended Port Huron Community College before receiving his Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Business from Ferris State University in 1972. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in Kodiak, Alaska, during the Vietnam War. John eventually moved "Up North" to the Grand Traverse area and continued serving his country in the Coast Guard Reserves. While working at the TBAISD Career-Tech Center he met Sandy (Sandra Louella Germeraad). Together they bought an old building in downtown Lake Ann. They decided to become legitimate partners in life and business. The couple married April 11th, 1981, and officially opened Lake Ann Grocery the following June 26th.
With considerable hard work and a fair share of hurdles to overcome, the store eventually became a bustling hub in the heart of the village. As their business grew and grew, so did their family. The three boys, Johnny (Walter John III), Billy (William Michael), and Jimmy (James August) were born and subsequently added to the staff at the store. They grew up counting the change from the till, sorting nuts and bolts in the hardware room, and stocking groceries on the shelves.
It was important to John to be a part of his community and he has always been one to have a finger in every pie. Over the years he served as a Benzie County Central School Board member, Benzie County Road Commissioner, Lake Ann Street administrator, Benzie Transportation Authority Board Director, and Inland Township board member.
John was born on July 29th, 1944, and passed away on July 28th, 2020. He was a true family, community, and American hero. The Benzie Central football program is honored to dedicate Friday night's on-the-field efforts to the Nuske family and to all our brave men and women that have served and continue to serve our country.
Original source can be found here.
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