Raymond Busch

Raymond George Busch passed away on July 19, 2022 at SMP Health - Ave Maria in Jamestown, ND at the age of 99.  He was born on September 18, 1922 to George and Mary (Gross) Busch on the family farm in Underwood, ND.  Ray and his sister Mildred grew up in a home with a solid foundation and Christian values, which he carried out throughout his life.  After graduating from Underwood High School in 1940, Ray farmed for a short time and then decided to expand his horizons by traveling from city to city as a Relief Agent for the Soo Line Railroad.  While working in Kulm, ND, he met Marjorie Herrmann, who became his life partner.  They were married July 12, 1953 and had two children: Carol and Jim.

After Ray was promoted to Depot Agent for the Soo Line, he moved his family to Braddock, ND and enjoyed nine years living there.  As the Soo Line started combining their depots, Ray returned to his role as a Relief Agent in 1968 and moved his family to Kulm, a more centralized location for the stations he serviced.  When the Custodian position opened up in the Kulm School, he welcomed the opportunity to work in an atmosphere of kids all around and served as a great example for them – hard working and humble, with a gentle soul.  After serving over 20 years in the Kulm Schools, Ray retired.  He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, woodworking and always had a hobby farm with a few cows and horses.

Marjorie passed away in 2010 and Ray continued to live his life as best he could until he entered Ave Maria in 2018.  He shared his deep love for the Lord by playing his harmonica or singing, with his favorite song “Oh, How I Love Jesus” heard often.  Ray was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church in Kulm.

Ray is survived by his daughter Carol (Dave) Gackle, Kulm and son Jim (Jill) Busch, Sheridan, WY; granddaughter Tarah (Jacob) Post, Fort Collins, CO and grandsons Jason (Candice) Busch and Justin Busch, Sheridan; great granddaughters Natalie, Jules and Vivi Busch and Emme and Ellie Post; one nephew and three nieces.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother Wilbur in infancy, sister Mildred vonSchell and granddaughter Shawna Gackle.

Funeral Service – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022 at First Congregational Church, Kulm, ND.

Prayer Service – 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 22, 2022 at First Congregational Church, Kulm, ND.

Visitation – One hour before each service at the church.

Burial – Kulm Congregational Cemetery, Kulm.