William A. “Bill” Busch, age 76 of Shawano, passed away Friday evening, June 7, 2019, at ThedaCare Medical Center-Appleton following complications from congestive heart failure.
Bill was born August 8, 1942 in Shawano, a son of the late John and Alma (Born) Busch. Bill grew up in Pulcifer, Wisconsin, where he attended country grade school. He later attended Gillett High School, graduating in 1960. Following high school, Bill worked for Maynard Polzin Construction. In 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army, and served his country until February of 1967. While stationed in Germany, Bill met the love of his life, the former Erika Karolina Kuespert. The couple married on March 2, 1967 in Bamberg, Germany. Bill and Erika arrived in the United States in May of 1967, and settled on Bill’s father’s farm in Pulcifer. Bill started working at Retail Lumber and Supply Company in 1967 which was owned by Glen Hartman. In 1968 the couple built their house in Shawano where they have lived ever since. Bill worked at Retail Lumber for over 50 years, retiring in 2016.
Bill is a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. He was extremely active in the Shawano community. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and Whitetails Unlimited, served as President and Vice President of the Shawano Lions Club, and was awarded Lion of the Year in 2007. Bill was an avid golfer and sponsored teams at both Golden Sands Golf Course and Shawano Lake Golf Course. He always looked forward to league nights because he enjoyed talking and hanging out with all the guys. He was an active member of the Shawano American Legion Post #117, serving the organization in many capacities. Bill was the type of man that if anyone would ask for help, he would be there. In his later years he continued to keep busy by volunteering his time to help anybody that needed assistance.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 52 years, Erika, of Shawano; his children, Curtis (fiancé Kara Jameson) Busch of Shawano, Brigitte (fiancé Gary Ostricki) Busch of Mosinee, and William (Tricia) Busch, Jr. of Shawano; three grandchildren, Allison Laffin, McKenna LeMieux, and Lulu Jameson; two brothers, Vernon (fiancé Judi Dankmeyer) Busch of Shawano, and Gary (Judy) Busch of Appleton; his sister, Yvonne (Maynard) Polzin of Shawano; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Busch, in 2009; and one brother, Bruce Busch.
Funeral services for William A. Busch will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Pastor Steve Schauder will officiate. Interment with full Military Honors will be accorded by the AmVets/American Legion at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano. Visitation will begin on Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home, and will continue on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the hour of service.
