Raymond Busse

Raymond “Ray” Busse, age 96, of Appleton, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2020, in Appleton Area Health-Hospital.  A private, family burial will be held in Appleton City Cemetery.  Pastor John Ramsbacher will officiate.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Raymond August William Busse was born on January 24, 1924, in Appleton, Minnesota, the son of Fred and Mary (Heinecke) Busse. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Shible Township.

Ray married the love of his life, Esther Seydel, on November 27, 1949, in Okabena and they resided on the family farm in Appleton, Minnesota, where they raised their three boys: Steven, Kevin, and Mark. Ray worked tirelessly on the family farm side-by-side with his wife and sons.

Ray enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was always eager to take one of the children out for a ride in the tractor or combine – creating memories of a lifetime.

In addition to farming, Ray dedicated his service to the Federated Telephone Cooperative for 35 years; during that time, he served as the President for 16 years. Additionally, Ray served as the Secretary Treasurer and Chairman of the Board for Agralite Electric Cooperative from 1969 to 2005. In his free time, Ray enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and playing a competitive game of cribbage with his family.

Ray is survived by his children: Steven (Leah) Busse, Kevin Busse (Sue Chenard), and Mark Busse (Michelle McTighe); his grandchildren: Noelle, Tonia (Rick) Bryant, Noah, Grace, Raquel (Ty) Beucler, Amy (Michael) Kalkhoff, Hannah in Spirit, Chantae (Ethan) Remily, Shannon, and Sheridan; his great-grandchildren: Samuel, Benjamin, Adeline, Kennedy, Eleanor, and Maeve; his sisters-in-law, Olive Volk and Joyce Seydel; and his brother-in-law, Martin Krause.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; his parents, Fred and Mary; his siblings, Laverne Paul and Wilbert Busse; and his granddaughter, Hannah Busse.

Blessed be the memory of Ray Busse.  Please sign the guest book at www.zniewskifuneralhome.com