Memorials

Oscar Herman Busche, 89, of Albion, died early Monday, May 19, 2008, at Parkview Noble Hospital, Kendallville.

He enlisted as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp (C.C.C.) at the age of 17 and in 1940 he joined the Army serving in the South Pacific as member of the Bush Master Unit. This was a highly skilled unit of which he was proud to be a part of as a World War II Combat veteran.

Upon his return, he began a 40 year career as a long haul semi driver with favorite destinations in California and Texas. He drove throughout the United States only missing Maine out of the lower 48 states. He was a 30 year retired member of Teamster Local 414 out of Fort Wayne. He owned a mechanics garage in Ligonier area 1959 to 1962 and operated a dairy farm in the Albion area until the mid-seventies.

Born on May 8, 1919, he was one of nine children and the son of Fred Busche and Marie (Roush) Busche of Fort Wayne.

In his formative years, he attended St. Peter's Lutheran Church and School, in Fort Wayne. Upon his return from the war, he married Adeline Matilda Speakman on Feb.11, 1946. They moved to the Albion area in the mid-fifties. Recently he and Matilda have been living at North Ridge Village Retirement Center, Albion.

Some of his favorite activities included auctions, collecting tools and the reconditioning of tractors and trucks. He had a knack for refurbishing old pool tables to like new condition, and enjoyed socializing with family, friends and neighbors. He was a member of American Legion, Teamsters Local 414 and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Surviving are his wife, Adeline Matilda; sons, Dwight A. (Phyllis) Busche, Nick A. (Lori) Busche and Jerry A. Busche, all of Albion; daughter, Diane (Tim) Mock of Pierceton; 10 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Surviving are brothers, Arthur of Spencerville and Frederick of Fort Wayne; a sister, Martha Essex of Columbia City; along with one half brother, Don Amstutz of New Haven.

He was preceded in death by his son, Oscar Herman "Hermie" Busche; sisters, Helen and Mildred; and brothers, Freeman Senior, Al and Kenneth; and one grandson.

Service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Viewing is from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion immediately following the service. Memorials to American Legion or Alzheimer's Association.