George Kuska, 81, a 52 year resident of Salinas, California, died of a heart attack on Tuesday, March 25, 2003, at his home.  George was born in Lincoln. Nebraska on August 18, 1921.  He was the third son of Joseph Benjam  in and Nellie McVey Kuska. George graduated from Colby High School in Colby, Kansas in 1939 and has never missed one of their high school reunions. He was an architect, designing numerous schools, churches, libraries, and other buildings in and around Central California. He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska, where he designed the Ralph Mueller Bell Tower at the University in Lincoln and was a loyal Cornhusker.

On June 24, 1951, George married LoRee Rosalind Grumbein in McCracken. Kansas, They raised four children, Kraig, Kim, Karen, and Karol. George enjoyed traveling the world with LoRee and chronicled each trip with his photography. He also enjoyed running, walking bird watching, woodworking, and sports. He had a keen interest in California Missions and co-authored "Our Missions Past" a textbook used in California elementary schools. In his retirement, George's greatest joy came from planning and participating in activities with his children. His memberships included: Ordained elder, First United Presbyterian Church since 1955; American Institute of Architects since 1956, president Monterey Bay California, Chapter 1964; Salinas Rotary Club since 1957, president 1967; Salinas Planning Commission, 1962-1970, chairman 1967-68; CCAIA Board of Directors 1964-65; Salinas Lodge No. 204 Masonic Order; YMCA Swim Team Parents Club, president 1968; Campfire Girls Monterey Council 1969; Salinas Chamber of Commerce, president 1971; Rainbow Girls Board of Directors since 1971; Boy Scouts of America, Monterey Bay Council board member 1962-1990, council treasurer 1976-1988; Eagle Scout Award Colby, 1939; Silver Beaver Award 1974, Good Scout Award 2000; Audubon Society, charter member of Monterey Bay Aquarium; lifetime member National Steinbeck Center; and lifetime member of The Prairie Museum of Art and History.

Genealogy: GEORGE(8) KUSKA.  Ancestors: JOSEPH BENJAMIN(7), ANTON(6), THOMAS(5), VIT(4), SIMON(3), BARTOLOMEJ(2), SIMON(1), see genealogy section.

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