SGM ALEX N (Nick) KUSHEL To TAPS

SGM Alexander “Nick” Kushel passed away from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 at the Aurora Medical Center.  He was surrounded by close family and friends.

Nick was born August 1st, 1949 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Alexander Sr and Ester (Norvell) Kushel. The family lived in Stratford where Nick attended school, graduating from Stratford High School. In November 1968, he joined the Army, his first order sending him to Vietnam. During his time there, Nick was involved in a combat situation that almost took his life, but was able to save another platoon from being annihilated by enemy fire.  For his bravery and gallantry, he was awarded a Bronze Star.

Nick stayed in the military for 22 ½ years; where he served in Italy, Germany, and at Fort Carson, CO, before finally retiring in 1991. His time in the military gave him the opportunity to visit many countries and have a plethora of experiences that he would reluctantly share with his friends. Give him some scotch, however, and he would tell you hilarious encounters, mischievous actions, boast about the beautiful lands he saw and the “sketchy” foods he would try.

Anyone who knew Nick, even for a short time, will tell you what an interesting character he was. He was reserved and private, but also witty, sarcastic, doting, and patriotic.  He enjoyed dancing and especially loved Harley Davidsons, owning several during his lifetime. His one true love, though, was the love he had for his daughter, Megan; son, Jeff and the few friends he held very dear to him. He was a keen sports fan and would religiously cheer on UCONN basketball, N.Y. Yankees and Denver Broncos. Nick was an “old school” hobby photographer, earning a professional photography license, and collecting many vintage cameras.

Nick moved to Denver, Colorado in 2012 with Megan joining him shortly after.  He was an avid rider with his motorcycle group, Mile High Hogs, and served several positions on the board including Webmaster. To say that Nick was happy being in Colorado was an understatement, it was his Valhalla.

Though Nick’s life ended too soon, the comfort to his family and friends is that he went out doing what he loved…riding his “Highway to Hell.” He will be sorely missed by those he left behind: daughter, Megan and rescue puppy Lola of Aurora, CO; son, Jeff of Noblesville, IN; best friends Sandy (Jake) Wilsnach of Baldwin, WI; Paige (Chris) Tollefson of Fargo, ND; Zach Longie of Devils Lake, ND and his Mile High Hog family and many friends.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, brothers Fred and David, stepson Christopher and many aunts, uncles, friends.

Horan and McConaty in Aurora are planning funeral arrangements with the Veterans Administration and Patriot Guard Riders. Final interment will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Service details can be found below. 

VISITATION
Wednesday
April 19, 2023
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Horan & McConaty - Aurora
11150 East Dartmouth Avenue
Aurora, CO 80014

MILITARY HONORS
Wednesday
April 19, 2023
1:15 PM
Fort Logan National Cemetery- Staging Area C
3698 S Sheridan Blvd
Denver, CO 80235