Calvin J. Buss (1955-2019)

BUSS, PATZNER, FUERSTE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/7/2019 at 05:10:20

Calvin James Buss, age 63, passed into the arms of his Savior following a fatal cardiac event Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8 at the Cathedral of St. Raphael, 231 Bluff St, Dubuque from 9:00 am to 12:45 pm with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 1:00 pm.

Cal was born September 21, 1955 to Carl and Charlene (Patzner) Buss. A lifelong Dubuquer, Cal will forever be remembered as a beloved, hardworking man and as a business owner who grew Vallet Food Service to a successful regional food company and retail operation. For the past eight years he took great pride in his work for Cottingham & Butler, where his co-workers became his extended family.

Cal will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege of knowing this fun, big-hearted man who brought laughter wherever he went. His humor was infectious, and his love was deep and genuine. He was quick-witted and a practical joker who added joy to all situations. He was easy to love and lived every day to the fullest as a faithful follower of Jesus.

Cal was a longtime member of the Dubuque Optimist Club and St. Anthony's Church. He relished time with his wife Ellie, children, grandchildren, friends and family. Cal will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family and as a caregiver and best friend to his parents. He was a generous host, and loved the Cubs and Packers, taking care of his beautiful Bellevue cottage with his wife, playing games, fishing, grilling and bartending for others. He also enjoyed going to stock car races with family and a good game of euchre.

Surviving are his beloved wife Ellie (Fuerste) Buss, children Jamie (John Swenson) Davis, Brian Buss, and Heather (Casey) O'Mara, stepsons William (Emma Lazore) Miller and Alex (Nicole) Miller, grandchildren Carson O'Mara, Sophia Buss, Weston Miller, and William and Charlotte Miller. Cal was a funny, favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews and a cherished godfather as well.

As the eldest and true patriarch of the Buss family, he left a beautiful legacy and a hole in the hearts of his six siblings: Chris (Betty) Buss, Carla (Tom) Kemp, Connie (Alan) Seeba, Cindy (Tom) McCann, Chuck (Kylie Reiter) Buss, and Clark (Anna) Buss.

Cal was preceded in death by his parents.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

A Calvin Buss Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dubuque Fire and Rescue and the Emergency Room staff at Mercy One Dubuque for their care.