Dr. Hildegard R. Kuse
1928-2025
Dr. Hildegard R. Kuse, age 96, of Medford, passed away peacefully at Rib Lake Health Services, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, where she had been admitted a week earlier. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, North Park Avenue, Medford, with Pastor Nancy Amacher officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery I in Medford.
Hildegard was born in Medford on Sept. 22, 1928. This was the second wedding anniversary of her parents, the late Walter and Amanda (Janke) Kuse. She grew up in a little log house, which was the family home. Growing up, her parents encouraged her to continually grow in her faith, appreciate nature, develop her creativity, and foster her love of learning. She attended Medford Public Schools and graduated in 1946 as the class valedictorian.
She received a Bachelor of Education degree with a minor in art from Wisconsin State Teachers College in Stevens Point in 1950, a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1954, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Colorado. Hildegard taught grade school in Shawano; served as a demonstration teacher at the University Elementary School in Iowa City, Iowa; the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She taught methods courses at the University of Colorado in science, reading, and math. At the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Dr. Kuse taught science, reading and language arts methods courses, as well as directing aerospace education workshops for eight summers.
Hildegard had a life-long interest in art, science, reading, and most other academic areas. She wrote curriculum and textbook materials for science education. Along with her late sister, the Rev. Dr. Loretta Kuse, she wrote materials for church and vacation Bible school classes.
After her retirement in 1990, Hildegard and Loretta expanded and developed the non-profit Kuse Farm Museum and Nature Preserve on the property that had been in the family since 1881. This property includes a nature trail with mindfulness stations, historic buildings, and educational materials to be enjoyed by school and community members. The preserve is protected by an agreement with the North Central Conservancy Trust and overseen by a board of directors.
For her efforts, Dr. Kuse was recognized for university service and excellence in teaching at UWSP. She has also been listed in Marquis “Who’s Who in Science and Engineering.” Hildegard was a life member of the National Science Teachers Association, as well as a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Medford and Trinity Lutheran Church in Stevens Point, the Portage County and Taylor County Historical Societies, the Taylor County Genealogical Society, the Taylor County Literacy Council, the Friends of the Downtown, and the Chequamegon Bird Club. In 2017, the Taylor County Literacy Council honored Hildegard and Loretta by establishing the HL Kuse Award, to recognize individuals or groups who have developed materials to preserve the rich history of Taylor County. In 2024, Dr. Kuse was inducted into the Medford High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
Hildegard is survived by extended family including three godsons, members of the Kuse Farm Museum and Nature Preserve board, and many special friends and neighbors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kuse Farm Museum and Nature Preserve, W6219 Allman St., Medford.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral and Cremation Services of Medford is handling the arrangements.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 163854
