Carol K. Kusek, 80, of Grand Island, NE, died Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Tiffany Square Care Center in Grand Island, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12 noon at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Rev. James Beran will be the celebrant assisted by Deacon Matthew Lonnemann. Visitation will be Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel, with a vigil service at 6 p.m. Carol will continue her giving way by bequeathing her body for anatomical study following the funeral mass. Inurnment will be in Grand Island City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Cathedral, Grand Island Central Catholic Foundation, or CHI Health St. Francis Foundation Baby Bereavement Suite. You are encouraged to sign Carol’s guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Carol’s obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

I was born August 5, 1945, at Spalding, NE, the daughter of Bohumil and Hope (Bubenik Bartunek) Rott.

At my baptism I was given the name Carol Kathryn with Carol meaning Joy. “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” became my verse at a very young age and carried throughout my life.

I took great joy in children’s lives. As a young mother, I became a La Leche Leader, helping other moms with the art of breastfeeding. I enjoyed being a teacher of Natural Family Planning. When the children started school, I was a room mom throughout my children’s Wasmer elementary years. I became a leader for Brownies and Girl Scouts and Den Mother for Cub Scouts. I was a great sub for the Grand Island Independent and World Herald for my children’s routes for about 15 years.

I loved being a “Red Hat Grandma” to my three grandchildren, Amber, Carson, and Kasch. Watching them grow and develop into their own individuals.

I enjoyed my Czech heritage traditions and my children’s Polish Heritage. I loved creating traditions from these cultures into our family holiday celebrations. As the children left the nest, it allowed me more time to cultivate my garden and caring for my flowers in my “Orphanage of Flowers”. I love flowers of all varieties and colors. Gardening was the best and cheapest therapy a person could ask for. I was able to join the work force once again, working night shift at Lebensraum Assisted Living and later for Grand Island Public School as a para for the special education department.

My statement in life was “To Take and Celebrate Life!” I was known as the card lady, sending greeting cards for every occasion to family, friends, and co-workers. I enjoyed the quietness of my home and taking in Mother Nature. I was always on a spiritual journey, seeking to have a deeper relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. I knew life was a challenging, difficult, complex road. Trusting in my Heavenly Father, always walking with me, I could get through the difficult moments.

Those left to cherish my memories include my children, Anthony (Steph) Kusek, Craig (Sherri) Kusek, Angel (Kurt) Kosmicki, Brighy Kusek, Sam (Jamie) Kusek.

Siblings and their spouses, Francis and Betty Rott, Lia Rott, Janet and Jace Bridger, Jean and Lenny Parachini, Mary and Richard Buettner, Annette Nabity, Bonnie and Lonnie Hummel, Christine Rott and Robert Rott.

Others left to cherish my memory include my grandchildren, Amber Kusek, Carson Kusek and Kasch Kosmicki, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

I am preceded in death by my parents, sister, Betty, infant brother, John Martin, and brothers, Jerry “Buddha”, Andrew, and Joseph.