Don never walked in the mainstream of life, he focused on what he wanted and what he needed to do to achieve his goals and ambitions. It wasn't always easy as obstacles were thrown in his way, of course, such is life, but he persevered. He was able to be happy, raise and enjoy a family, with his love, Joan, by his side. He was especially happy in his home in the hills surrounded by the pines and a beautiful meadow at his door. Don loved his home and treasured the years there with his family. It was a work in progress, it kept him busy, but he would take time with a cup of coffee, look at his front yard, relax and wonder at the scene before him. Wild turkeys and deer staring back at him, he really loved sharing this with his family and friends. Usually, he would have a favorite dog or two at his side, they were his buddies. Remember Big Dog and Bear, now most recently his pals Abby and Loki. Don was always making things and he was good at it, be it; panning for gold, polishing rocks, painting his train pictures, making arrowheads, shadow boxes, and his stamp collection. He even built his own barn and shop.

He joined the Navy at 17 to see the world, and he did just that.  He often spoke fondly of his memories aboard his ship the USS Ticonderoga. He got his GED while in the service, then later got degrees in Forestry and Soil Science from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. It took determination and strength, qualities he began at a very young age. He knew if he wanted something he would have to earn money to buy them on his own. This he did by delivering the Rapid City Journal in the heat of summer and the snowy cold of winter in Spearfish, and later he set pins in the bowling alley, when nothing was automated, jumping out of the way of flying pins.

Don loved to fish with his brother, Elmer; two sons, David, and Mick; and his grandson, Bryar.  In his golden years there were occasional trips to the casinos in Deadwood, but Don was so content sitting on his front porch observing all the beauty around him, his peaceful, quiet life.

Don lost his wife Joan 24 years ago and has always kept her by his side until now, so that they could be laid to rest together and share eternity.

Although there will be a certain emptiness, Don and Joan will not be forgotten, you really do not ever lose the ones you love. They will always be with us, talk to them, feel them. Those of us who love them, be it son, grandson, brother, nieces and nephews, or friends, their memories will warm our hearts until we too lie down to rest.

Donald R. Busse, of Sturgis, SD, born November 9, 1936, passed away at his home on the morning of October 4, 2022.

He is survived by his brother, Roger Busse; son, Mick Busse; daughter, Wendy Miller; grandchildren, Bryar (wife Whitney), Jenna, and Melissa; 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan Busse; son, Dave Busse; brother, Elmer; and sister, Beverly.

He will be laid to rest with his wife, Joan, at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD, on Friday, October 14, 2022, 12:30 p.m.

Click on the link to view service folder