Funeral Notice: William "Bill" Busch

Bill Busch, of Jordan, passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 86. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a Time of Gathering from 9:00 – 10:45 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (313 Second Street East) in Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside, and Aaron Busch will act as urn bearer. Bill will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan. Military Honors will be provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard, and Firefighter Honors will be provided by the Jordan Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Bill’s family in his honor.

William George Busch was born to Mathias and Eleanor (Lambrecht) Busch on August 25, 1939, in Jordan. He lived his entire life in Jordan. Bill grew up one of four brothers and made a good life for himself in his beloved hometown. Growing up, Bill enjoyed playing baseball as a catcher and participated in wrestling and football during high school. He also helped out his family by delivering milk before school each day. After graduating from Jordan High School in 1958, Bill joined the Air Force and served honorably as a fireman on base in the Pacific Northwest.

When he returned from his military service, Bill dedicated 47 years to the Jordan Fire Department, including more than 20 years as Fire Chief, a legacy he shared with his father. He first experienced firefighting when he accompanied his dad on a call and jumped in to help, solidifying his commitment and dedication to serving his community.

Bill worked in carpentry for the majority of his career. He worked for the Kochlin family in their cabinet shop. Later on, he drove buses for the school as well.

Some time after his return from military service, through mutual friends, Bill met Marie Brennan, and they were united in marriage on December 18, 1971, settling into the family home in Jordan. He and Marie loved to travel together, taking road and bus trips all over the United States. They also visited Europe five times, including England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Ireland. Bill enjoyed going on cruises with friends. He also loved making sausages and horseradish in bulk and cherished spending time with his "Garage Squad" friends, many of whom he met through the fire department. Bill played softball, bowled alongside Marie, and remained a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Bill’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Belle Plaine Lutheran Home for their care and support of Bill.

Bill will be missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Marie; brother, Bob Busch; and several nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Eleanor Busch, and his brothers, Michael and Buddy Busch.