William Louis Hussman 1921 – 2010

William Louis Hussman passed away peacefully at his home in Minden on February 4, 2010 at the age of 88. “Bill” was born in Santa Cruz, CA on July 7, 1921, to Otto Louis Hussman and Mathilda Jepsen Hussman both of whose parents were early settlers in Carson Valley. Soon after, the family moved to Grants Pass, Oregon, then returned to Gardnerville in 1927 where Bill spent the rest of his childhood, graduating from Douglas County High School in 1939. Bill loved planes and flying from an early age and continued with flying lessons while attending Sacramento State College and became a flight instructor. He instructed military pilots when the war broke out and

then was hired by Pan American Airways in 1943, retiring after 35 years in 1978. His career began aboard the early Pan Am Clipper flying boats based at Treasure Island and ended with a smooth landing in San Francisco as captain aboard the Boeing 747. He was highly regarded as a pilot by the company and his fellow employees and considered a real gentleman and an all around good guy by all.

Bill met the love of his life, Betty Hussman, a stewardess for Pan Am, under the banyan tree at the Moana Hotel on Waikiki during a layover in Honolulu in 1946. They were married in 1947 andshared a wonderful life together. (What a team!)

Bill had many interests throughout his life including tennis, panning for gold, exploring the back roads of California and Nevada, operating an import business, building a house, working on his cars and exploring the destinationsthroughout the world wherever his flying took him.

After retirement Bill stayed active with volleyball, racquetball, walking, and learning & honing his computer skills. He loved to help others in need and meet with his walking group for lunch to discuss all the latest and solve the world's problems.

During his lifetime he enjoyed flying his private plane and kept a hanger at the Minden airport and enjoyed gathering with other flying enthusiasts. A lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, he served as Treasurer and volunteered to perform needed repairs on the church grounds for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Hussman, and son, Mark Hussman, of Gardnerville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Margaret A. Hussman McMeekin, and his daughter, Mary Hussman.

Memorial service to be announced at a later date. 

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