Leroy L Busche

“Nothing but a breath --- a comma --- separates life from life everlasting.”

On the morning of April 25, 2021, in his own subtle way, the tender heart of Lee was returned to his Creator. Those who knew him know that 78 years with him on earth will never be enough, but we know he will be with us, always.

He was born November 29, 1942 to the late Lawrence and Raeburn (Crofoot) Busche in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Lee was a 1961 graduate of Rhinelander High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.
On October 16, 1965 he married the love of his life, Mary Jean (Pokorny) Busche and they were blessed with 55 years of love and adventure. The two were married in Rhinelander, Wisconsin and later settled into two amazing neighborhoods in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. Mancel Lane and Avondale Drive and all the amazing neighbors had a very special place in Lee’s heart. Lee spent 30 years working at IBM as a Systems Engineer. Thanks to his love of computers and people, he accepted a position at NWTC teaching computers after leaving IBM. This never felt like work to him because he was so passionate about computers and helping others.           

Lee was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He loved his family more than anything and did everything he could to support them. He very rarely missed an event for one of his kids or grandkids, whether it was a sporting, academic, or music event, you could always find him smiling in the crowd. When he wasn’t supporting his family, you could find him enjoying a Milwaukee Brewer or Green Bay Packer game. Lee enjoyed playing softball, pickleball, bowling and golf. While he never achieved a perfect game on the bowling alley, he achieved golf’s greatest shot, a hole in one at National at Fox Hills, hole number 4.           

His tender heart and kind soul will be missed by many, but especially by his wife, Mary Jean who has been by his side for over 60 years. Together the two of them welcomed 3 children into the world. Jeannine (Dan) Devroy, Jim (Cassandra) Busche, and Colleen Busche. He was blessed to be called grandpa by; Logan, Marlee, Aaron, and Austin Devroy, and Talia and Lilith Busche. Not only was Lee loved by all people he met, but all dogs as well. Lee’s loyal canine companion, Coulter Ann, and grand-dogs, Reagan Rush, Chunky, Jordy, and Wolf will miss his gentle energy and treats. Lee is further survived by; a very special cousin, Nancy Oleson, brother-in-law Richard (Ellen) Pokorny, sister-in-law Eugenia (Jon) Wall, niece, Leslie, nephews, Richard, Christopher, Thomas, and Schaffer, aunts, uncles, and cousins by the dozens.           

The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at Unity Hospice, especially his care team, Christy, Jenna, Nathan, and Molly, whom he loved so much, as well as the triage and crisis nurses, PCC’s, referral and intake, Support Services, and volunteers. It truly takes a team and they all treated Lee and his family with respect and dignity for the past year and we, the family, are forever grateful.           

The family also wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and well wishes especially during the past year.           

Funeral services will be held at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 220 S. Michigan St., De Pere, on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Matt Faucett officiating, concelebrating Rev. Willie Van De Loo. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. The funeral service will also be streamed on Cotter's Facebook page. The family kindly requests that masks be worn.

In lieu of flowers a fund is being established by the family to purchase a memorial bench at Voyageur Park in Lee's name. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.cotterfuneralhome.com