Obituary: Augustus T. Schlater Jr.

by | Mar 5, 2026 | Uncategorized

October 5, 1937 – February 5, 2026

A man of impeccable integrity and faith has died. Augustus Theodore Schlater Jr., known to all as Gus, passed peacefully from this life into the next on February 5, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was 88.

Born October 5, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Augustus T. Schlater Sr. and Dorothy Duscher, Gus was the eldest of seven siblings—and boy, did they know it! He grew up in New Hope, Pennsylvania, where a restless curiosity and a love of adventure first took root.

That spirit showed early: at 16, Gus stuck out his thumb and hitchhiked from Danby, New York, to Washington State with $25 in his pocket and his mother waving forlornly from the driveway. As he liked to say, things went “swell,” and a few months later he arrived home safe and sound, already planning the next journey. After high school, he set off again for Washington, where he joined the Air National Guard in Spokane, WA—the start of a lifetime spent in the skies.

Gus became a pilot in the military, commercially, and privately, eventually flying with Pan American World Airways. Like many pilots of his era, he met more than a few “stewardesses,” and one of them—Beth—became his devoted partner for the next 57 years. Their love story remains a family legend: Gus chased Beth all the way to Nepal, where she was doing volunteer work, to propose. “This guy was unbelievable,” his family says with a grin—and the evidence is everywhere.

While flying internationally, Gus completed law school and passed the California Bar on his first attempt. In Incline Village, NV, he added on to all three family homes himself, and in retirement he built his own airplane. Through it all, Beth kept pace in her own way—playing tennis, playing bridge, and traveling—the two of them a perfect match of motion and momentum.

Gus and Beth “accumulated” three fantastic kids—Ted, Amy, and Jesse—two wonderful in-laws—Jason and Rebekah—and two fine grandsons—Brayden and Aaron. The family’s shared adventures, projects, and far-flung travels filled a lifetime of stories, many of them retold around the dinner table with Gus’s trademark dry wit and steady warmth.

What Gus valued most was simple and unwavering: his love and commitment to family. He lived his faith quietly and his integrity out loud—showing up, following through, and doing the hard things without fanfare. He taught his children and grandchildren that a true life is built in equal parts from courage, craft, curiosity, and care. Gus flew high and far, but he always came home. And for those who loved him, that made all the difference.

Services: A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am March 25th, 2026 , at Our Lady of The Snows Catholic Church, Reno Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://lbda.org/donate.

Obituary: Susie Kushlan

by | Mar 5, 2026 | Uncategorized

July 7, 1968 – February 18, 2026

Susie Kushlan (née Muskopf) of South Lake Tahoe, California, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the age of 57.

Susie was born in Millstadt, Illinois but moved to Dallas, Texas in 1975 where she discovered her love of football, animals, a good tan, and jalapeños. In high school she performed as an Eaglette at football games during halftime, competed with her dad on the tennis court (she never beat him), and worked with animals at a local pet shop. In 1986 she began her college career at Texas A&M where she graduated with a degree in Psychology, was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, a proud 12th man during games, and an Aggie Hostess during her Junior and Senior year to help welcome and recruit the best football players in the land. She remained a true Texas Aggie throughout her life, often travelling back from California to catch a home game and seldom missing any broadcasted game.

She found her true home in South Lake Tahoe after traveling around the West for months in her International Scout, dogs and cat in tow. The lake, mountain air, animals, and trees inspired her to establish a life in a place she found magical. She worked in the hospitality industry, with animals for a veterinarian and pet shop, delivered the mail for many years, and artfully arranged vegetables at a local grocery store. These jobs kept her in the place she loved where she interacted daily with flora and fauna, and positively impacted those who had the pleasure to meet her.

It was in this special place that she met and married the man of her dreams. Susie and Anton fell in love and quickly added Owen to their joyful union in 2006. Susie was born to be Owen’s mom and truly delighted in his very being. She was his champion from day one and he was a beam of love and light that filled her endless joy. The three of them had many adventures in the mountains, on the lake, and Susie made a beautiful and cozy home where everyone felt welcome (including many pets).

Susie was the oldest of three sisters. Stair step in years, similar in style, temperament, humor, and values, the sisters relied on each other through highs and lows. Susie was a loyal and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. She is preceded in death by parents Bob and Charlotte (Prater) Muskopf. She is survived by husband Anton Kushlan and son Owen, sisters Sarah (Chris Stetler) and Jenny Muskopf, nieces Amanda Muskopf, Dinah and Beatrice Whitmarsh, and countless in-laws.