Robert Henry Busch

MIDDLETON-Robert Henry "Bob" Busch, age 74, of Middleton passed away surrounded by his family at St. Mary's Hospital after a brief illness on Friday, June 24, 2016. He was born on August 31, 1941, in Madison, the son of Henry C. and Margaret (Imhoff) Busch. He married Ruth Ann Weber on Sept. 2, 1961 at St. Bernard's Church in Madison. Robert was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Middleton, where he was a server, usher, and member of Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Middleton Fire Department for 40 years, during which he served as Fire Chief for 10 years. Robert was employed by Mid-Plains Telephone Co. for 43 years where he retired as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He was an avid gun collector which he enjoyed doing with his brother, Charles. Robert is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Terri (John) Strange and Thomas Busch; son-in-law, Vince Noltner; brother, Charles (Mary) Busch; and grandchildren Danielle Simon (Brett Meinholz), Cassey Simon, Brian Noltner (Heather Ruhland), Kelly (Tim) Powell, Kim Noltner, Kyle Noltner, Kourtni Busch and Tyler Busch; step-granddaughter, Erin Strange; step-great grandson, Elloitt Majka; close friend, Gary Gilitzer; and many aunts, uncles, sisters and brother-in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lynn Noltner; nephew Michael Busch; mother and father-in-law, Jake and Ruth Weber. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved watching them in their sports and other activities but most of all just spending time with them. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. Burial will be at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery, Middleton. Visitation will be at the church on Tues., June 28, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Middleton Volunteer Fire Department or St. Bernard Catholic Church. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's Hospital for their outstanding care. His special saying: "I was not, I was, I'm not anymore". A true man of service and honor. He will be greatly missed by all. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.