Gerhardt Lavern Nuss, 86, died Aug. 1 at Leisure Homestead in St. John. Born June 15, 1924, in Hoisington, he was the son of Reinholt and Mollie (Beisel) Nuss. On Sept. 18, 1942, he married Delora McCullough in Hoisington. A lifetime resident of Great Bend, he was a truck driver for Airco, Glass King and Elliott Transfer. He was owner and operator of Nuss Triangle Station and later worked for IGA and Waters True Value.

Mr. Nuss served in the United States Army from Jan. 18, 1944, to Nov. 7, 1945, during World War II, as a PFC. He was a member of the Baptist faith and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3111, both of Great Bend. He played Santa Claus for many years at community events. He received Christ and was reborn into a relationship with God while attending the Harrison Street Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Delora Nuss, of the home; two sons, Terry Nuss and wife Phyllis of Golden, Colo., and Greg Nuss and wife Stephanie of Great Bend; a daughter, Sandra Simmons and husband Gary of Great Bend; five sisters, Berniece Hillman of Dallas, Texas, Irene Ledford and Virginia Harmony, both of Great Bend, Ruby Manweiler and husband Larry of Hoisington and Ruth Kreitzer and husband Bob of WaKeeney; a brother, Ray Nuss and wife Pauline of Dallas, Texas; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Rollin Nuss, Clarence Nuss, Wilbur Nuss, Leroy Nuss and Ervin Nuss; and a sister, Josephine.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Bible Baptist Church in Great Bend with Pastor Kevin Franklin officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to the First Bible Baptist Church or Gerhardt Nuss Expense Fund, all in care of the funeral home.