FR. EDWARD FRANCIS FUSS, S.M. GRAMERCY, LA Fr. Edward Francis Fuss, S.M., died on Wednesday, November 23, at St. James Hospital in Lutcher, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Fuss and Anna Gruszczyk; his brothers: Andrew (Celia) Fuss, Walter (Ann), Joseph (Irene) and Stanley Fuss; his sisters: Stella (John) Spiker, Carrie (Henry) Spejewski, Mary (Theodore) Zugel and Sophie (Clifton) Byers, and his nephews Theodore, Donald and Gregory Zugel and Norbert Fuss. He is survived by his nephews: Richard (Claudia) and Dennis Fus, Kenneth, Joseph, Robert and James Fuss, Eugene (Norma) and Gerald (Cynthia) Spejewski, Ronald Spiker and John (Andrea) Byers; his nieces: Marilyn Stanish, Carol (Jack) Granger, Kathy Dewey, Judith Fuss, Margaret Plummer, Patricia (Lawrence) Moehn and Tina (Thomas) Kish, and his sister-in-law, Charlotte Fuss. Fr. Fuss, S.M. was professed as a Marist religious (Society of Mary) on July 27, 1986, and ordained to the priesthood on December 16, 1989. He spent his entire priestly ministry serving the Catholic communities on the River Road as the parochial vicar at St. Joseph Church (1989-1991), as pastor at Sacred Heart Church (1991 - 1997), and as parochial vicar at both parishes and at St. Michael the Archangel Church until 2002 when he retired. However, he continued to serve the parishes but in a reduced capacity until his recent illness required his hospitalization. Prior to his joining the Marist Fathers and Brothers, Fr. Fuss, S.M. served in the Army's 379th Regiment, 95th Infantry, Artillery Division during World War II from 1944 - 1946. There he saw action during the Battle of the Bulge. He remained a faithful member of the VFW Post 5852 in Lutcher, LA. After the War, Fr. Fuss, S.M. also studied at the Alexian Brothers School of Nursing, and at DePaul School of Nursing where he earned his nursing credentials and Bachelors of Science degree. He went on to study health care administration at the University of California Los Angeles earning his Master's Degree. He served as administrator at hospitals in Kokomo, Indiana, Lubbock, Texas and Beaumont, Texas.Fr. Fuss was devoted to caring for the sick and the elderly during the twenty-seven years he served the Catholic communities on the River Road. Many parishioners fondly recount how his wise counsel, compassionate manner, friendly disposition and prayerful demeanor brought comfort and consolation to those who were ill and who were gripped by grief at the loss of a loved one. Fr. Fuss still managed to find time to enjoy a good meal and the company of many parishioners whom he regarded as his friends. He was especially close to Jennie and L.J. St. Pierre whose friendship remained constant throughout his years on the River Road and who were especially devoted to caring for him as his illness progressed. Fr. Fuss remained close to his family who feel his loss deeply. He was the youngest of 11 children born on February 17, 1926, in East Chicago, Indiana to Polish immigrant parents. His love of the Blessed Virgin Mary was instilled in him at an early age by his mother Anna, so it was quite fitting that he would be ordained a Marist. As a youth, he strongly desired to attend the local Catholic high school, Bishop Noll Institute, but his parents could not afford the tuition. He found odd jobs and swept floors at a dentist office for eighty cents a week to help pay his way. He was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan, a connoisseur of Danish sweet rolls and an avid reader. One of his favorite memories was of his trip to the Holy Land. Visitation will take place at the Rose Lynn Funeral Home, 1870 Cabanose Ave. in Lutcher, LA on Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulina, LA at noon on Monday, November 28, 2016 with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery.