Loyal Busby

Loyal Edward Busby, Jr., 87, Hitterdal, MN, passed away April 16, 2013, at his farm home in Goose Prairie Township where he lived his entire life. Loyal was born July 2, 1925, to Loyal (Sr.) and Stella (Lundberg) Busby at home in Goose Prairie Township. He was baptized and confirmed in Salem Lutheran Church. He graduated as valedictorian from Hitterdal High School in 1943. Loyal married Doloris Hogenson July 29, 1944, at her parents’ home in Hagen Township. Loyal and Doloris shared 63 years of marriage and raised ten children on their farm near Hitterdal. Loyal farmed until he retired at age 75. In addition to farming, he worked 17 campaigns at American Crystal, did carpentry work and custom baling. Loyal married Ida Lewis June 5, 2010, in a lawn wedding at Loyal’s farm surrounded by their families. Loyal was an intelligent, thoughtful, hardworking man with a love of knowledge, history and words…but also a practical, down-to-earth man and, not infrequently, downright earthy. He liked amusing jokes, puns (sometimes subtle…sometimes not so subtle and a little blue). He was a man of few words who could always get his point across. He took great pride in stories about his family—the family he came from and the family he created. Loyal persevered through the struggles of farming, retaining his optimism and humor. Loyal was a multi-talented person who built every building on his farm site. He was proud of the home he built, his farm and his large family. In the odd moments when he had time, he loved to read—everything from Mark Twain to Shakespeare. Besides literature and history, he enjoyed music, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, pinochle, poker, bingo and his pets. Loyal kept a succinct daily journal for over 60 years that has become a valuable, entertaining and enlightening family resource. Loyal was a member of Salem Lutheran Church and served as a school board member for 16 years. Loyal is survived by his wife, Ida, and nine children: Sharon (Gene) Willgohs, Patricia Anderson, Linda (Mike) Rydjord, Mary (Raj) Karim, David (Terri Fischer) Busby, Danny (Lori) Busby, Gail (Tom) Spillum, Jeri Sakrismo, Maureen (David) VanDenEinde; son-in-law Breck Wilson; 36 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Genella Fuglie, Helen (Don) Gunderson, and brother-in-law, Russell Borgen. He is also survived by Ida’s children and step-children: Sandra (Kyle) Giffey, Debra (George Timko) Wagner, Ross (Lynnette) Wagner, Reed (Kim Cooke) Wagner, Steve (Sherry) Wagner, Bruce Wagner, Mark (Corrine) Lewis, Lee Lewis, Kay (Scott) Swenson, Neil Lewis, Jan (John) Baer, and Ilo (Jim) Myhra. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doloris; daughter, Paula; sons-in-law, Jerain ”Jiggs” Anderson and Linn Sakrismo; infant grandson, Bradley Spillum; in-laws, Harris and Maude Hogenson, Allan Fuglie, Joyce Borgen, Clair and Deloris Hogenson. Funeral Services were held on Monday, April 22nd, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN. Visitation was Sunday, April 21st from 3-5 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m. all at the church. Visitation was also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment was in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Hitterdal, MN.

Loyal Busby

July 2, 1925 - April 16, 2013