Gustave Adolph Reading Jr., 87, of Vero Beach, passed away on June 22, 2016.
He is survived by his loving daughters Robin Reading Mosleth and Linette Reading (Laurance Macke); proud grandchildren Amanda Choudhary (Kavish), Timothy Mosleth (Erin Fallon), and Terence Reading; beloved caregiver Susie Howard; and fond cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 57 years, Kathleen; his sisters Helen, Dorothy, and Naomi. Other anticipated heavenly reunions include dear son-he-never-had Renard Neff and numerous friends and golfing companions including Albert, Bill, Dave, Bob, Arnie, and Glen.
Reading was born Dec. 2, 1928, to Adele Herbst Reading Neff and Gustave A. Reading, Sr.
He was born in Milwaukee and spent many of his formative years in Mayville (Wis.) and Miami. Fla., before returning to the Cream City. There he attended Riverside High School, enlisted in the Marine Corps, and met and married his Kathy.
They would come to live in Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, and Fox Point while building their two proudest achievements: their family and Service Container, a corrugated packaging company that they operated for 24 years. Their hard work enabled them to see the world and to enjoy a long retirement with homes in Vero Beach and Flat Rock, N.C.
His zest for life was most evident in the range of things he loved to do. When Gus wasn’t analyzing his golf swing at home or cracking wise with his foursome at the course, he might be found building something new or repairing something old in his workshop. He cherished taking his pretty bride out for a special dinner. He memorized poetry and was always in the midst of at least one or two library books. He prized the rituals of the barbecue grill and the perfectly made vodka Gimlet. He was firmly dedicated to his daily crossword and Sudoku puzzles. His was not a mind that rested easily, but he was ready to be with Kathy again.
A memorial service will be held at the Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home, 1655 27th Street in Vero Beach, on Tuesday, June 28, at 11 a.m. followed by a private family luncheon. A joint burial service will be held for Gus and Kathy at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville on a future date.
Donations in honor of Gus’ three girls will be gratefully accepted by the breast cancer support organization Friends After Diagnosis, a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in Kathy’s memory that he supported with great generosity (2301 Avalon Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960 or www.FriendsAfterDiagnosis.com.