Bruce L. Bussing

Some will remember Bruce Bussing for his love of tractors while other will recall his more mischievous side, but all who knew Bruce will remember him for his perseverance and his spirit of contentment no matter the circumstances around him. With the love of his life by his side for more than 60 years, he continually showered his children and grandchildren with his unconditional love as it was clear to see that there was nothing more important than the family he viewed as his greatest treasure. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, Bruce touched the lives of so many within his reach, leaving behind memories that will be forever cherished. As the thirties dawned in America, people braced themselves to endure the crippling hardship that blanketed our nation throughout the entire decade as the Great Depression was in full swing. The unemployment rate soared to over 25 percent, which left countless Americans without jobs - and eventually without homes. Despite the great trials that surrounded them, a young family from Muskegon, Michigan, had much to celebrate as they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on November 4, 1930. Baby Bruce was welcomed into the family of George and Violet (Thompson) Bussing, joining his older sister, Ila. Their family of four later welcomed three more children into their bustling clan: Carol, Molly, and Alan. Bruces father worked as a truck driver while his mother was a nurse. In many ways Bruce experienced an upbringing that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. He was raised on the family farm on Cloverville Road in Sullivan Township. Life in the Bussing family ran like a well oiled machine as all the children had their fair share of chores. As a young boy Bruces pride and joy was his bicycle - so much so that he used to charge his sisters to ride it! He attended local schools including Cloverville Elementary where Bruce was the one in charge of arriving early to start the fire to get the place warmed up before everyone else arrived. He then went on to school in Ravenna, but only through the ninth grade as he was needed in the workplace instead. As a teenager Bruce enjoyed fixing and driving cars as well as playing baseball with some of his free time. Life was forever changed for Bruce when he spotted the young girl who would forever hold the key to his heart walking down the street one day. Her name was Donna Campbell, and Bruce came up alongside her in his beat up car to offer her a ride, but she declined. This wasnt the end of the road, however, as they met up some time later and as the story goes, it isnt real clear who actually chased whom. The couple began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together Bruce and Donna were married on September 2, 1950. It wasnt long before the couple was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Dawn. She was later followed by four more children: Denise, Debra, Penny, and Jennifer. As a father Bruce was more laid back and easy going, which also made him so much fun. In addition Bruce was a tender and loving father who was a firm believer in the notion that one can always accomplish whatever they put their mind to. In order to support his family, he worked as a truck driver for 46 years. Bruces earliest years found him driving a milk truck and then for Muskegon Wholesale Company, which later became VanEerden Produce Company until he retired in 1993. He was also a Teamster union member and was named driver of the year in 1990. The Bussing family spent quite a bit of time together as there were annual vacations and camping trips as well as outings to things like the races, gospel sings, country music shows, tractor pulls, and the Ionia Free Fair. There were also family reunions and holidays that were spent with extended family. Christmas morning in the Bussing home was always accompanied by pancakes, and they also had other fun family traditions like Sunday afternoon rides, Memorial Day parades, and putting the angel on the Christmas tree each holiday season. Their girls always loved getting pop with their dad at the warehouse, riding along with him in the truck while he fought to stay awake, and how he always ate all the black jelly beans and chuckles. Bruce was almost always the winner at Yahtzee and although he was famous for saying that he would just be a minute, everyone always knew that it would be a very long minute. Throughout his life Bruce was a man of many interests. He was a tractor enthusiast who dearly loved his John Deere, International, and Farmall tractors. Bruce was a true handyman who was often tinkering around on cars and trucks, and he was a cartoon fanatic whose favorite was Tom and Jerry. He liked to watch racing, especially NASCAR, and his favorite driver was Kasey Kahne. Bruce had many dogs and cats through the years that were great companions including his dog, Spot, their cat, Smokie Joe, and their most recent cat, Feisty, that got to know Bruces every move. During his retirement years he worked with Bert Grega at Winston Speedway. For many years Bruce attended Black Creek Bible Church. When grandchildren joined their family, Bruce couldnt have been happier. He loved spending time with his grandchildren doing all sorts of things like putting a roof on a house, working at the racetrack, sneaking off to see the horses, feeding the horses, and going out for breakfast. Through his sunset years, Bruce endured many health issues that greatly limited him, yet he rarely complained and made the most of the days he was given. A sweet, compassionate, and caring man, Bruce Bussing was a gift in the lives of many. He was determined and hard working, loyal and funny. Someone who deeply loved his family and was always focused on the needs of those around him, Bruce will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Bruce L. Bussing died Saturday, October 29, 2011. Bruces family includes his wife, Donna; daughters, Dawn (Samuel) Beckley of Holland, Denise Bussing of Hudsonville, Debra (Mark) Sawinski of Tecumseh, MI, Penny (Ken) Schultz of Fruitport, Jennifer (Tom) Miller of Augusta, MI; grandchildren, Adam (Holly), Kenny (Kristi), Christopher, Bruce, Kevin, Kody, Dylan, Carmen (James), Keri (Brian), Laura, Kelsie; great-grandchildren, James, Samuel, Ayslin, Beau, Brady, Hunter, baby to be; sister, Molly Rosencrantz of Muskegon; sisters-in-law, Pat DeRuiter, Diane Campbell. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Carol Rose, Ila Brown; and brother, Alan. Services will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Pastor Mark Sawinski, Pastor Larry Bush & Pastor Jamey Newstead officiating. Visit with Bruces family and friends on Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions can be made to the family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.comto leave a memory or sign the online guest book.