Raymond Buseman

Raymond Loran Buseman was born September 16, 1932, in Fern, Iowa, to Henry and Fanny (Fekkers) Buseman.

Ray grew up in the Parkersburg area, and attended Parkersburg High School. On March 25, 1955, he was united in marriage to Javone Schoneman, in the Bethel Reformed Church of rural Aplington, Iowa. To this union, they were blessed with three children: Karlyn, Daniel, and LaFonda. Ray served in the U.S. Army for two years in the 98th General Hospital, Nuremberg, Germany.  When he returned, he worked at Rath Packing Plant in Waterloo. He also helped as a farm hand with Earl Steimel. After moving to Pella, he worked for 3M. After retirement he worked for  Ulrich Ford and Precision Pulley. Ray was a member of Grace Reformed Church in Waterloo, and was currently a member of Third Church in Pella.

Ray loved all of God’s creation and every season. He and Javone spent every morning in the parks surrounding Pella enjoying breakfast together. Ray and Javone spent many hours birdwatching and going on morning walks. Ray also loved fishing and family trips to Leech Lake, Minnesota where he fished every year at least once.

Ray started many family traditions that will continue. Since their 50th anniversary, Ray and Javone have hosted family breakfasts at the Amana Colonies to celebrate each year of marriage. Ray’s competitive spirit is still celebrated at family card games at each gathering. We all know the rules and the speed of play with Ray as the teacher. Ray was the family planner of fish fry nights along with April’s help. Holidays were planned well in advance with special attention on the Ham from Ulrich’s and the special order fresh turkey’s at Thanksgiving.

Ray will be remembered for his favorite things. Ford cars and trucks always won out over any other kind. The Hawkeyes were favored over the rest of the Iowa teams. Short leaders with red spinners always caught the most fish when Ray was fishing. Ray was a collector of Kellogg cars, mustaches cups with matching saucers that were made in Germany, and Rath memoribila.

Ray was a friend to many and was happiest when visiting with friends new and old. In recent days, Ray spent every day out on the best deck in Pella where he welcomed all for a visit.

Ray is survived by his wife Javone and their children:

Karlyn and Melvin Terlouw, Pella

            April (Ian) Moore

                        Macie, Audrey

            Amy (Calvin) Girard

                        Abraham, Alida

            Alayna (Chris) Donahue

Daniel and Brenda Buseman, Waterloo

            David Buseman

            Rebecca Buseman

LaFonda and Chris Davidson, Pella

            Brendan Davidson

            Lillian Davidson

Ray is also survived by his brother: Harry (Nancy) Buseman; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Bonnie Buseman, Calvin Stahl, Naomi (Leland) Pederson, Mark Schoneman, Barbara Schoneman, and Vernon (Judy) Schoneman.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Fanny Buseman; a sister Alida in infancy, brothers: Gerald Buseman, and Lee Buseman; and his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Janice Stahl, Sherry Schoneman, and Ronald Schoneman.  

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