Gerald “Jerry” Kusek, age 74, of Munster, passed away peacefully March 13, 2017. He was the son of Andrew and Jean (Jakubiec) Kusek who preceded him in death along with his sister Ilene (Kusek) Young. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Arlene (King) Kusek; his daughter, Dawn (Sean) Niccum of Lafayette, IN; his grandchildren, Alex (fiancée Georgia) Niccum, Catherine (Devin) Rouhier and Rachel Niccum; and his brother, Andrew (Lisa) Kusek of Highland, IN. Also surviving him are his niece, Amy Williams, nephew, Chris Young; brothers-in-law, Wesley (Donna) King, Lynn (Susan) King, and G.W. (Cheryl) King. In addition, several others including cousins, aunt, and many dear friends survive him.\tJerry served in the USAF during the Vietnam Conflict as a Fuel Specialist. He was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in Lancaster, California. At Edwards he worked in refueling aircraft. This position afforded him the opportunity to see and fuel airplanes of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson and other dignitaries including the Shah of Iran. Refueling aircraft also provided opportunities to meet Chuck Yeager and other outstanding test pilots, and several astronauts including NASA pilot Neil Armstrong who was the first man to step foot on the moon. Several times he fueled the B-52 which was the mothership for the X-15 which eventually led to space travel and landing on the moon. Belonging to American Legion Post #369 in East Chicago, IN and Air Force Association were evidence of his continued pride in serving his country.After his four-year enlistment ended, Jerry returned to East Chicago, Indiana, and resumed working for two years at Graver Tank as a press operator helper. In 1967 Jerry finally found his career when he became a bricklayer apprentice with Bricklayer’s Local #6 which is now IN/KY Bricklayer’s Local #4. After completing his apprentice training, he worked for several contractors as both a brick mason and foreman. In January 1996 Jerry became a Bricklayer Apprentice Instructor. He continued in this position until his retirement in September 2001. Jerry attended school and after six years received Bricklayer Instructor Certification from the International Masonry Institute and Bureau of Apprenticeship Training, US Department of Labor. After retirement Jerry continued to be involved in union activities including serving on the Joint Apprentice Training Committee at the local level and the Trial and Appeals Board at the state level.Although he earned trophies and awards for his many accomplishments and rubbed elbows with several famous people, he considered his greatest rewards his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Visitation will be on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:30 pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN. and on Saturday from 9:30-10:00 am at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Thomas More Church, Munster, IN. Entombment will be at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN.In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the American Lung Association or charity of your choice in his memory.