Raymond Theodore Bussen

Raymond T. Bussen was born on February 26, 1929, in a sod house in Wallace County about one mile south of Fort Wallace Cemetery. He passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023 at Logan County Hospital in Oakley, Ks.  He was the son of Barbara (Fueser) and Theodore J. Bussen.

At the age of three, his family moved to what would become known as the Bussen homestead.  It was there that he would spend the rest of his life helping his parents, working the land, and eventually raising a family of his own.

He attended Gill Elementary School about three miles from the homestead and completed 1^st through 8^th grade, but never pursued high school. Like many families during that time, the harshness of life made poverty the theme and all family members needed to work to sustain life’s basic needs.

In 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army in which he proudly served his country.  He was stationed in Long Island, New York and in 1954, he returned to Wallace County.

On August 31, 1954, Raymond T Bussen married Shirley Rose Leiker and together, for the next 67 years of their married life, they would farm the land, raise a family, and share their gifts, talents and treasures with family, friends, neighbors, and community.

There were three things he treasured most-- his Catholic faith, his family, and his work. Though he was not a man of a great deal of words; one could see who he was and the gifts and talents he possessed.  Born with an uncanny mathematical/engineering mindset, he could look at a structure whether it was a building or a corral, or some other object, purchase or find the materials “out back” needed and build it himself.  This was and is very evident when one walks around his farm and sees the machine shed, circle corral, additions to the house, a water tank truck--which he converted into a sprayer with a 60’ boom, along with hoses, hydraulics, levers-- and a shop where he would do his own mechanical work on his tractors, combines, cars…etc. Furthermore, he was the epitome of stewardship in how he cared for the farmland, the crops, and the livestock.

More importantly, he knew his success as a farmer, was not of his own doings, but rather of his creator --God and His son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.  Raymond was aware that he was God’s instrument and servant blessed with gifts, talents, and abilities all used to glorify and thank the Almighty from on High as well as to serve others as he lived out his earthly life.   

Raymond’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were his greatest joys and blessings.  He built a swimming pool, small tractors, go-carts all for them to enjoy as well as his numerous nieces, nephews and others who came to visit.  He loved to see them having fun on the Bussen farm.

Centered to his life, farming, and family was his unwavering faith.  He was an active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wallace and later of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs.  He served devoutly as a member of his parish as well as the Knights of Columbus of Wallace and Sharon Springs.

Immediate family preceding him in death are his wife, Shirley, and his oldest son, Tom.  Raymond was the last member of his nine brothers and sisters.

Raymond and Shirley Bussen are the parents of Tom Bussen (wife Deanna), Brian Bussen, Rhonda Winkler (husband Greg), Julie Bussen, Joe Bussen (wife Suzanne), and Celeste Rains (husband Mike). They are the grandparents of 20 grandchildren, 33 great-children and have over 120 nieces/ nephews, grand-nieces/nephews, and great-grand nieces/nephews.  

One of Raymond’s final sentences as he was transitioning from this life to the next were-- Jesus remember me; Jesus have mercy on me when I stand before You to give an account of my life… Holy Mother of God lead me to your Son, My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Memorial contributions may be designated to St Joseph’s Catholic School, Caring Tree Tags of Oakley, and Wallace County Food Bank and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.