"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
John Douglas Feusner, 59 of Selah, passed away Friday September 18, 2009 at his home surrounded by his beloved wife and children. John was born in 1950 to Dr. Henry and Mary Edith Feusner in Longview, WA. John was raised in Longview until he attended college at Washington State University. He married Frances Schneider early 1973 and graduated from WSU that spring with his B.S. in Animal Science. At WSU John was active in the Beef Center, College Rodeo Team and Block & Bridle Club. He made many dear friendships that would continue throughout his life. Upon graduation John and Frances settled in Selah to operate Schneider-Feusner cattle ranch. Their first child, John W was born the following winter. John worked hard and steadfast as a cattleman in the early years of their move to Selah. His hard work ethic and honor to his family was something later he would be well known for. In 1975 Schneider-Feusner Ranch was named Yakima County Cattlemen of the Year. This achievement was very meaningful to him and his wife. He remained active in the Washington Cattlemen's Association long after this honor. In 1977 John and Fran welcomed their second child, Jacob. At that time the family was actively involved in Central Lutheran church and John served on the church council. Later, they attended Memorial Bible Church and he counted many there as dear friends. In 1984 they welcomed their third child, daughter Jenna. John's family was truly complete with the addition of his three grandchildren: Henry, Anna, and Mary Feusner. He was very proud of each of their character and kind hearts. Everything from soccer games, ranch visits, to card games with the kids was a blessing.
In addition to running a cattle and hay ranch and raising his family, John was active in a variety of organizations. Some of his involvements include Washington Cattlemen's Association, Wenas Volunteer Fire Department, Wenas Irrigation Board, Yakima County Weed Board, Kellogg Foundation, Solar Dollars, and numerous others. John was an avid lifelong learner in all pursuits. Many years ago he studied Holistic Resource Management and strived daily to be a good steward of the land thru ranching. However, the greatest of John's accomplishments was his ability to evolve & improve the relationships with those closest to him. He used the many trials God had placed in his life to live every day better than the previous day. In the last decade of John's life it was his relationships with Christ, his wife and children that would be his finest legacy. His spirit contained a presence of the Lord's work that could not be denied and his life inspired many. Throughout his family's trials he was never without laughter, a good sense of humor, and most importantly hope and a positive attitude.
John overcame all odds during his strong and inspiring cancer fight of nearly six years. Choosing never to know his prognosis, he put every day in the Lord's hands with his positivity and strength never wavering. We would like to thank Dr. Jones and her staff at North Star Cancer Care. John and Fran grew to know them very well and thankful they shared similar optimistic attitudes. North Star was a blessing to our family; John received incredible care locally and they shared his desire to live life as if he wasn't a cancer patient.
John is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 36 years Frances Feusner, 3 children John W. (Sarah) Feusner, Jacob Feusner, Jenna Feusner, and his three adored grandchildren; Henry, Anna, and Mary Feusner, all of Yakima Valley. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Edith Feusner Walla Walla, WA, sister Jo Ellen (Roger) Dillon Walla Walla, WA, brother Dr. James Feusner (Patricia) Oakland, CA, and sister Jennifer Leach of Longview, WA. John is preceded in death by his father Dr. Henry Feusner, sister Judith Hogan, and nephew Justin Hogan.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, September 25th at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A Celebration of John's Life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Yakima, WA. A private family burial will be at Wenas Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to attend a reception immediately following the service to celebrate John's life at Running Springs Ranch, Naches, WA. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Keith and Keith Funeral Home.
