Funeral services for Charles H.W. Busse, 84, of Sioux City, Iowa, were Tuesday, June 23, at Morningside Presbyterian Church in Sioux City. He died Thursday, June 18, 2009, at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

 He was born on Dec. 28, 1924, to Elmer E. and Susie Mae (Phipps) Busse in Decatur, Neb. He graduated from Decatur High School with the class of 1942.

 Busse served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946. He was stationed in Washington, D.C., and served with the 250th Special M.P. Company Ceremonial Detachment. He was a member of the honor guard for funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and served within the White House as a guard. He was one of the World War II Veterans that made the trip to Washington, D.C., aboard the first Siouxland Honor Flight to see the World War II memorial.

 On Jan. 21, 1949, Charles and Vivian Eastberg were married at First Baptist Church in Oakland, Neb. The couple made their home in Omaha and in 1956 moved to Sioux City. He worked for Mobil Oil as a pipeline operator for 32 years, retiring in 1982. He was a part-time bus driver for Arrow Stage Lines for 31 years. The couple operated Tour With the Busse's for 29 years, showing people the beauty of Canada and the U.S.A. The couple spent their winters in Lakeland, Fla., for the last 20 years.

Busse was an active member of Morningside Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed traveling, camping and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

 Surviving are his wife, Vivian, Sioux City; sons, Randall (Patricia) of Omaha, and Danny L. (Mary Jo) of Norfolk; daughter Connie Jean (John) Sponder, Sioux City, Iowa; grandchildren, Regina K. (Dan) Dush of Columbus, Matthew C. (Jeanine) Busse of Phoenix, Ariz., Bobbie Jo (Tim) Gregoire of Harrisburg, S.D., Carolyn J. (Marshall) Norton of Tucson, Ariz., Jonathan D.(Kristin) Busse of Omaha, Kristi Jo Busse of Spencer, John William Sponder and Jeff S. Sponder, both of Sioux City, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Carlie, Carter, Carson, Adam, Ashley, Clyde and Ayden; brother, George and (Leota) Busse of Decatur; many nieces, nephews and friends.

 Pallbearers were his grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be Frank Taylor, William "Bill" Hall, Sidney Hoover, Kevin Swaney, Morrie Schenkelberg, Dean Coles, Robert Baker, Gene Slack, Don Kramper, LeRoy Eastberg, Roy Smith, Ron Crocker, Gene Yarger and Ron Eastberg.

 Burial was at Hillcrest Cemetery in Decatur with military honors by Decatur American Legion Post No. 215.

Memorials may be directed to Morningside Presbyterian Church and/or Hospice of Siouxland.

 Online condolences may be sent to www.christysmith.com.

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(Information taken from 50th Alumni Booklet May 1992)

Spouse:  Vivian

Children:  2 boys and 1 girl

Grandchildren:  8

     Vivian and I have had a tour business since the early 1970s.  We have enjoyed taking many people on vacations over the years with "Tour with the Busse's". 

     I have driven bus for Arrow Stage Lines for the past twenty years and still do.  After a busy fall schedule of tours to Nova Scotia, Ozarks, and Hawaii, and getting the 1992 schedule of tours set up and brochures all set up, we have now taken a few months off.

     We are now wintering in Lakeland, FL, as we have done for the past five years.  Our daughter takes care of things for us while we are gone.  We will be back the first part of May.

     We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the class reunion.  I'm planning on being there so save two tickets for me.  If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Updated: 4/5/09