James “Doc” Musich, 75
Mass of Christian Burial for James “Doc” Musich, 75, of Bedford was held Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11 AM at Cummings Family Funeral Home. Visitation was at the funeral home Friday, June 2, 2023 from 3-7 PM with family present from 5-7 PM. Interment at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed towards the family to be established in Doc’s honor.
James “Doc” Earl Musich was born on January 4th, 1948 on the family farm in Earling, Iowa to Urban and Esther (Graeve) Musich. He was the third of seven children.
After the family moved to Harlan, James attended elementary school at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Harlan, Iowa. He then went on to attend Harlan High School where he wrestled and ran cross country. This is when James earned the nickname “Doc Watson” for his quick wit and sense of humor. The nickname was soon just “Doc.” Doc spent his summers on the Vandenberg farm with his good friend Al. Together they hunted and fished and camped at the river. Doc worked at Olson’s Grocery Store and The Polar Club. He graduated from Harlan high school in 1966.
Following high school, Doc joined the national guard and served for the next six years. During this time he worked building the western sections of Interstate 80 before heading to Phoenix, Arizona for a short stint where he worked many jobs. By 1967, he was back in Iowa and working as a foreman for the Harlan Builders building pole buildings. Doc fell for Kathy Leuschen, whom he had doubled dated with, although not with each other. Kathy was attending hair school in Omaha, and Doc made the trip down from Harlan as often as possible.
On December 6th, 1969 Doc wed Kathy (Kate) Leuschen in Panama, Iowa at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church. Doc and Kate were blessed with four children; Jody Ann in 1971, Molly Marie in 1974, Sara Lynn in 1977, and Daniel James in 1980.
In 1980, Doc and Kate moved their family to Bedford, Iowa. Through the years Doc worked various jobs while also being involved in helping with Bedford athletic events including keeping stats for the football team and running the clock for wrestling for several years. Doc’s passion for the outdoors he acquired as a youth continued throughout his life as he enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he could. Doc was an excellent carpenter and obtained an associates degree in finished carpentry from SWICC in 2012. Doc was a proud Republican and member of the NRA. He also enjoyed raising a garden and cooking. He especially enjoyed grilling for his family. Doc was a member Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bedford.
Doc had many passions in life but his family was his greatest love. He enjoyed attending numerous activities for his children and fourteen grandchildren. No matter the activity, event or occasion, Doc just enjoyed being together with those he loved.
Preceding Doc in death include his parents, Urban and Esther; brother, Bill Musich; sister, Mary Jane Robinson; daughter, Jody McMillin.
Left to cherish Doc’s memory is his wife, of 54 years Kate; daughters, Molly Walston and husband Paul, Sara King and husband Jason; son Dan Musich and wife Machelle; son-in-law, Scott McMillin; grandchildren, Shane Walston, Maddy Walston, Zach McMillin, Courtney Thompson, Sam McMillin, Max McMillin, Joel King, Chad McMillin, Quentin King, Silas Walston, Brody King, Macy Musich, JD Musich and Ali Musich; great-grandchildren, Della Thompson, Paxton King, Mara McMillin, Millie Thompson, Moxie King, Malakai McMillin and Callahan McMillin; siblings, Rick Musich, Margo Nelson, Mark Musich and Duane Musich along with a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.
