The funeral service for Robert C. Busho, of Ellendale, was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 19, at the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. The Rev. Gary Liker officiated. Interment was in the Geneva Cemetery. Military honors were accorded by the Ellendale American Legion Post #296, and V.F.W. Post #8941. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Ellendale, and one hour before the service at the church.

Robert died on Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at the New Richland Care Center. He was 80.

He was born on July 2, 1923, in Ellendale, the son of George W. and Eva (Randall) Busho. He graduated from Ellendale High School in 1941. Following graduation he worked for Botsford Lumber in Ellendale.

Robert was united in marriage to Virginia Webb on July 24, 1942, in West Concord, Minn. He was drafted and entered the U.S. Army to serve our country on March 25, 1943.

He received his honorable discharge in January of 1946.

When he returned from the service he worked with his father at Busho and Son’s Garage for a short time.

He then began his work as a rural mail carrier in the Ellendale area, which he did for 35 1/2 years, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the American Legion Post #296, where he was past commander,

V.F.W. Post #8941, 40/8

#1210, United Methodist Church, lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #1395, Owatonna, the Ellendale Sportsmens Club, and had served on the Steele County Park and Rec Board for many years. Robert had been a

volunteer for the Ellendale Fire Department for 44 years, serving as assistant chief from 1968 to 1977 and as fire chief from 1977 to 1991. He enjoyed legion baseball, hunting with his best friend Spook, fishing at Beaver Lake, playing cards, collecting &uot;things&uot; especially stamps, and listening to WCCO.

Robert is survived by his wife, Virginia of Ellendale; three children: Vern Busho and his wife Mary of Nisswa, Emily and her husband Larry Otto of Ellendale, and Pamela and her husband Duane Wachholz of Nisswa; grandchildren: Brad Busho and his wife Kori of Baxter, Bethany and her husband Terry Mikesell of Ellendale, Joshua Otto of Ellendale, and Bailey Wachholz of Nisswa; great-grandchildren: Kelsi and Kole Busho of Baxter; sister, Judi Severson of Rapid City, S.D.; sisters-in-law: Arlene Busho of Ellendale, Sharon and her husband John of Grygla, Minn., and Ethel Stenseng of Minneapolis; brother-in-law, Joyce Verplank of Owatonna; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Waylen Busho Sr.

Robert will be greatly missed and will always be remembered for his generous spirit and smile that could light up a room.

Blessed by his memory!