Ralph E Busse

Ralph E. Busse, 90, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Adams Memorial Hospital.

He was born on July 27, 1933, in Adams County Indiana to the late Paul O. Busse and the late Mathilda (Graft) Busse. Ralph was united in marriage to Barbara Kelley on March 6, 1956, and she preceded him in death on February 18, 2017.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, and was honorably discharged.

Ralph was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur, where he served the Lord for many years as an usher.

He was employed at General Electric in Decatur for 31 years, and he also worked part-time at McQuick’s.

Ralph loved spending time with his family, and enjoyed playing bid euchre with them.  He always had a smile when he saw his grandkids.  He played fast pitch softball on the church league, where he anchored down first base.  He loved bowling and was involved with the Decatur league for many years.  Ralph farmed his whole life, and enjoyed the peace it provided him.  His favorite time on the farm was spent raising animals and driving his tractor.

Survivors include his son, Daniel (Cathy) Busse of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Deborah (Howie) Girod of Decatur, Indiana; brother, Michael (Peggy) Busse of Decatur, Indiana; brother, Gary (Frieda) Busse of Peoria, Illinois; sister, Wanda Hertel of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Ruth Bienz of Ossian, Indiana; sister-in-law, Leona Busse of Decatur, Indiana; five grandchildren, Kara (Jon) Fullhart, Teresa (Mike Halperin) Busse, Ryan Busse, Rachel (Craig) Ruble, and Gracie Girod; and three great-grandchildren, Cameron Fullhart, Katrina Fullhart, and baby Ruble on the way.

In addition to his parents and wife, Barbara, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn Busse; brothers, Ronald and Paul Busse; sister, Norma Lou Busse; and brothers-in-law, Wallace Hertel and Frederick Bienz.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur, with Pastor Zach Oedewaldt officiating.  Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery.

A time for Ralph’s Woodcrest friends to greet his family will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023.  Friends and family will also be received from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home – Decatur, and one hour prior to services Friday at the church.

Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard.

Preferred memorials can be given to Zion Lutheran Church, Decatur, or Woodcrest Activities Center.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana