Jake Kenneth Gusler, 25, of 151 Ladybird Circle, Stoneville, N.C. made Heaven brighter when he left this world on November 9, 2012. He had spent the last 8 weeks recovering from a double lung and liver transplant in the ICU at Duke University Medical Center in Durham. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Osborne Baptist Church in Eden, NC, with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Fair Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Jake was born to parents Ken and Susan Gusler on September 24, 1987 in Eden, NC. Having Jake for 25 years has been his parents greatest blessing. Jake was a scout for many years in Troop 566. He was a 2006 graduate of McMichael Highschool. He graduated from Wake Forest University in 2010 with a degree in Sociology. Jake played tenor sax in marching band during highschool and college. He was a lifetime member of Osborne Baptist Church. Jake had Cystic Fibrosis, but it never defined him. CF ravaged his health but could not touch his spirit. He loved God, and his family and his friends and life! He never let the state of his health limit what he set out to do. Jake lived life to the fullest each and every day. It's hard to remember him not smiling or laughing. He had lived in Durham since February preparing physically for his transplants. It was a strenuous process but he tackled it with determination, faith and good humor. Though he didn't get the long life he hoped for, his family will forever be grateful to his donor and family for giving them the opportunity/possibility of a healthy life. His passions were well known and included time with friends, reading, music, especially jazz, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Harry Potter, Magic The Gathering, electronic gadgets, video games and systems, The Simpsons, The Big Bang Theory, Dilbert, movies, and late night computer chats with friends. Food was a passion too. Jake never had enough potatoes and stuff, Velveeta cheese, Mom's macaroni and cheese, Chick Fil-A or Rita's Ice.
Left to cherish his memory with his parents are his grandparents JD and Louise Gusler, and family members Ricky and Lisa, Emily, Eric Barton, Barry and Bambi, Brittany Joyce, David and Sarita, Erin, Daniel and Jenny, Claire, Ryan and Kristen Gusler, Sharon Alderman and Ken Shelton, Aimee Alderman, Jason James, Victoria Vodenichar, Winston and Sue, Samantha, Matt and Autumn, Sophie, Maggie, Chris and Ashley Shearin, Connie and Joseph Reynolds, Manuel and Bunnie, Caroline, Tyler Lopez and numerous other extended family. Close friends include Jeremy Freeman, Michael Downs, Graham Russell, Ross Knight, Steven Rose, Aric Ringeisen and Amy Crews, Kayla Gilbert, Michael Keim, Kevin Rahn and Bobby Bebber. He was preceded in death by his infant brother Travis, grandparnts Jack and Goldie Snead, and great grandmother Sadie Smith and uncle Jody Snead.
Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, November 14, 2012 from 6 until 9 pm at Fair Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Suite 200, Bethesda, MA 20814.
I am so sorry to hear about Jake's passing. He was a wonderful kid and will be missed greatly. My prayers are with you....Patty
Patty Keaton
I am so very sorry for the loss of Jake,we will keep your family in prayer.
Phyllis Hall
Susan and Family, I was truly saddened to learn of your loss. I can only imagine what you are feeling right now. I know that you are strong in your faith because you and your mother played a large part in teaching me that at an early age. My heartfelt sympathy is with you and Kenny. May God be with you in the days ahead.
Debra Branch Riggan
Ken and Susan, My heart, love and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathy, Donna
Donna Myers
Susan & Ken, so sorry for your loss, words can never express how we feel, Jake was such a unique person, we loved him and are thankful for the memories we have. Our prayers are with you as you face the days ahead.
Randy & Pam Shope
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Your family has blessed ours in so many ways. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. Sammy, Dale, Daniel and Elizabeth Aldridge and Carson
Dale Aldridge
Susan and Ken, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious son. I work with Bambi and although I have never met Jake, I feel like I have due to all the stories I have heard for the past 10 years. Jake must have been a wonderful boy and I know that he blessed many people in this life. I know that he had a lot of pain and suffering in this life, but I know that he is in a much better place today. I know it is little comfort to you, but I have prayed for each of you for all these months when Jake has been at Duke. My family recently lost my brother, a kidney transplant patient. I know how my own mother has grieved for him and I know that your days ahead will be hard. I am continuing to pray for you because I know that God can help heal your hearts. May God bless each of you. With much sympathy, please know that I have a breaking heart for you both. Tammy Farmer, APH CT department
Tammy Farmer
I did not know Jake but I do know his grandparents JD and Louise Gusler and I also knew his grandmother Goldie Snead and greatgrandmother Sadie Smith. My prayers are with all of his family. My God comfort you. Jake sounds like he was such a blessing to your family.
Faye Carter
Dear Kenny,Susan, Louise and JD, We are so sorry to hear about Jake. We have been praying for him. We know he is pain free and has a brand new body and every organ is working wonderfully. We can't begin to imagine what loss you are feeling, but we know that God is able to comfort you all as only he can. We pray that you will cherish each and every memory that you have made. We love you all. Just hold on to John 14:1-6. Love and Prayers, Kent, Cheryl and Amelia Mann (I was Cheryl Smith before I married. My parents Carlton and Elaine used to live across from JD and Louise when I was a baby)
Cheryl Mann
Ken and Susan: There are no words I can think of to ease your loss and pain right now. After reading Jake's memorial, I do know you were blessed with an exceptional, wonderful son. He sounds like a son that would make any family proud and happy. I truly feel, he's in the arms of Jesus and fully healed. I pray you both will feel the peace that only God can give. Growing up with Kenny and seeing first hand what a loving family he has, I know you both gave Jake the very best. God bless and be with you all. We will keep you in our prayers.
Debbie, Myron Horton and Odessa Thompson
My prayers are with you and your family during this time. I had several classes with Jake at RCC while he was there. Jake was a great guy and will be missed.
Shannon Tucker
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I remember Jake from McM marching band days. Being a former band Mom, I remember a lot of the trips, but not every child. I do,however, remember Jake. I always thought he was such a sweet young man. From reading the memorial, I know he will be greatly missed by many, many people. You are all in my thought and prayers.
patricia perdue
Susan, I can't imagine the pain you and Ken are feeling, but as you have so wonderfully put it, Jake is making Heaven brighter. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go thru this time...may God continue to hold you and keep you.
Elianne Barber
Our thoughts and prayer are with you during this extremely difficult time.
allison
So sad to hear off the passing of your beloved son.Mythoughts are with you all ..
Dinkydander
Ken and Susan, I love you and my heart breaks for you both. Jake was very fortunate to have such loving, supportive, strong parents. That is what made him the fighter that he was and that is why CF never broke his spirit. Your family in heaven is rejoicing to have him by their side. All friends and family are ready to do anything that you need. Please don't hesitate to ask. Sincerely, Lisa
Lisa Ranzo
Ken and Susan, I do not know what to say other than my family, my church and I continue to pray for you during this time. God will provide strength and understanding. You have a magnificent son. His life speaks volumes. With Love and Support, Andrea Earles and Family
Andrea Earles
So sorry to hear about Jake, I am best friends with Karen Boschetti and she always kept us updated, and we were always sending lots of prayers, unfortunetly God had other plans for Jake, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of prayers and love to your family to help you get through this very tough time <3
Pamela Wood
I want you to know how much I admired Jake for his faith and dedication to fight this up hill battle. I also admire his parents for being such faithful , dedicated, and strong parents. You raised a wonderful and caring son that made the world a better place. Now it is time for rest and he will always be looking down from heaven watching over everyone.
Tammy Chester
While we rejoice that Jake is now completely healed and is in the arms of His loving Savior, we miss him tremendously. I picture him now running around Heaven with Travis on a grand adventure. God bless Ken and Susan.
Susan Shearin
Dear Susan, I want to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy for you and Ken as you mourn the passing of Jake. I can't imagine what you must be going thru - but I do know that God has been and will continue to be faithful to carry you both into the days ahead. Please know that I will continue to pray for grace and strength for your family~
Dale Smith
Sorry to hear about the passing of Jake. I never met ake but felt close in heart getting updates about him and sending lots of prayers. An also I just found out that Jake and I have shared the same Birthday. Iam a close friend to Karen Boschetti and Kayla Gilbert. My condolences to his parents, family and friends. Lots of prayers and love coming to you at this very difficult time.
Clarisse Lazos
Dear Kenny and Susan, JD and Louise, and all of the family, Jeff, Devan and I were so sorry to hear about Jake...I will always remember Jake as the 4 year old who taught Connie and I how to work the VCR so he could watch Mutant Ninja Turtles when we were at your house...he was always an amazing guy and his positive attitude in the face of all obstacles was truly inspirational. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, June
June Nealy
Our family is so sorry for ths lost of your son Jake. I hope you can find peace in knowing how he touched your life. Our prayers to you and the rest of the family. Teresa Hundley, Carlene Hundley, Chasidy Scott, and all the children whose life were touched from your teaching.
Teresa Hundley and Family
Susan & Ken, There are no words. My heart aches for you as you have to travel through such an impossible time in your life. If I live a lifetime I dare say I'll ever meet anyone with Jake's level of drive and determination! I know my life is better having known such a wonderful, strong, funny, intelligent young man. He is surely rejoicing in his heavenly home! A home that he learned about through you both. Just one of many gifts you have given him. We will be praying for your entire family in the days and months ahead. For me, I'll smile and think Of Jake every single time I see a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle! Denise Vaden & family
Denise Vaden and family
Ken and Susan: I am so sorry the loss of your precious son Jake. Heaven needed a new Angel and they got a great one. I kept up with Jake on CaringBridge and loved reading everything he wrote. I especially loved his sense of humor! May God be with you as He will see you through this! Much love!
Susan Gentry
We were saddened to learn this week of Jake's passing. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. The Office of the Chaplain Wake Forest University
Rebecca Hartzog
I'm so sorry to hear about Jake's passing. My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. May God be with you and Ken.
Wendy Smith
Ken & Susan, My heart aches for your loss. At least you had a son for 25 years which is something I will never experience. I know that he was a special young man and I believe that he was blessed and will bless you now from heaven. When you think of him smile as I know he made this world brighter just by being here with us. Ken told me so much about him and I know he is sitting up in heaven with God and the angels now...smiling at us all. May God lift you both up from your sorrow. My deepest sympathies.
Tina Beasley
Susan and Ken, My family sends you all our love to lift your heart during this time of sorrow. Jake's spirit and love will forever continue to live on in the countless lives that he has touched. I will remember him by his smile. I don't think I ever saw him without it. I will also remember him by the snowman mug he gave me so many years ago. It has the magic to make it snow when I drink my morning coffee out of it. Jake's life was truly magical to me and so many. Again, all our blessings, prayers and love as you continue your relationship with Jake in a different, yet deeper, way. Love, Renee and Family
Renee Halpin
Our Hearts Goes Out To You And Ken And The Rest Of Your Family.. May God Give You Strength And Peace Of Mind.. Love And God Bless To You And Your Family... Ricky And Nancy Craddock , Michael And Tori...
Ricky And Nancy Craddock
We are all so sorry to hear about Jake's passing. Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. Everyone and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing or even just meeting Jake walked away a better person for it. He was just that type of person. We have so many great memories of spending time with him and sharing with him his passion for Magic! He will be missed at our tables and our tournaments, but he will never be forgotten. All of us at Rachel & Roberts Sports Cards want you to know that we have you and your family in our hearts and prayers thru the difficult days ahead. With deepest sympathy, Rick Johnson (Store Owner), Tracy Shepherd, (Magic Coordinator), and all of Jake‚àö¬¢‚Äö?ᬮ‚Äö?묢s fellow Magic players from Rachel & Roberts.
Tracy Shepherd
Rest in Peace Friend; I have the fondest memories of being beat in air hockey you time and time again! Love Always Meleia
Meleia Waterbury
Thoughts and prayers with the family at this time, sorry about the loss Janet Gusler
gena miles
As a Cub Scout and after he always lived the Cub Scott Motto: "Do Your Best" He will be missed by the many people that knew him. Our prayers go out to his family and close friends. Cindi Tilley & Adam Joyce
Cindi Tilley
Jake always put others first. I cannot think of a time where he made a selfish move. This planet has lost a truly good person. My deepest condolences to the entire Gusler family.
Matthew Haentschke
I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my prayers.
Lisa Mabe Charles
We were so sorry to hear of Jake's passing, but I remember that sweet smile from Boy Scouts and school when he and Jeremy were classmates and Scout mates. He was a special person indeed and showed a strong spirit and determination through a very tough battle. Heaven is surely brighter with his presence. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Bryan and Kim Wallace
Susan and Ken, I have been thinking about you and keeping you in prayer. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have wonderful memories that will help you get through this sadness. Sincerely, Louise Clark
louise clark
Susan,Ken and Family,We were deeply saddened by the loss of your precious son.May God cradle you in his loving hand's at this difficult time. T.Larry Bell and Family
T.Larry Bell
My children and I play Magic, and that is where I had the pleasure of meeting Jake--I lost to Jake in the end rounds of a tournament, and my oldest sons played against him. I found your boy to be well spoken and a perfect gentleman. He also was a smart player. I believe you will meet again. Jake and I talked about CF and diabetes--he was pretty funny about being a diabetic who could eat anything he wanted. I wish you the best. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Jeff
Jeff Stewart
Hello, my name is Jordan Wadsack-Stewart, you have never met me, but I did meet your son Jake. One time my father and I we're at a magic, the card game, tournament, and Jake was there as well, about 2 years back. We had met Jake and had felt that he was a really good magic player, but most of all that he was a very sincere person and had lots of integrity. My father had struck up a conversation with him, and he learned that Jake had cystic fibrosis. At the end of the tournament, Jake had performed really well and that was the last time I saw Jake. After the tournament my father and I talked about cystic fibrosis, which I knew little about, and so I learned something that day. I also just remembered how badly I wanted people like Jake to be in the world, people who were honest and kind. Now that tow years have passed, I am now in India. I am serving a mission for two years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just two weeks back, my father sent me the obituary of Jake. I had no clue he had passed. As I read it I felt sad, because he was a gifted person who influenced others for good. But as I read the article I was also happy, as I saw both the faith in Jesus Christ that Jake had and that you as parents must also have. Because of that faith, everything seems brighter, easier to deal with. We have a hope for a better world after this. As missionary in our church, we share a message called the Plan of Salvation, which is kind of lke a blueprint for the plan God has for our lives. It answers where we were before this life, what is our purpose on earth, and what will happen to us after we die. It is something that has given me consolation in the most difficult times, and has given me great purpose and self-worth int he best of times. Even though I know you already have strong faith, I really felt as I read the obituary that the message about the Plan of Salvation could help you and your family build greater faith in Jesus Christ and his purposes for the different events that happen. Since I'm not living in North Carolina at the moment, I cannot meet you but my father and my family are all there, and they would love to meet you. I wish I could have met Jake another time, he seemed very smart and Christ-like, something we don't see enough nowadays. We love you and pray for Jake and your family."
Jordan Wadsack-Stewat
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Born: Thursday Sep 24, 1987
