MADISON – Lucille “Lou” Busse, 93, of Madison, passed away on September 25, 2026. She was born to Robert and Mary (McCray) Montgomery, in Reedsburg, Wis. She was united in marriage to Fred “Fritz” Busse in 1950, and they settled in Madison to raise their family.

Lou worked in several secretarial positions throughout her career before retiring from the Wisconsin State Law Library. Following retirement, she and Fritz enjoyed traveling before settling into their comfortable home for their golden years together.

Lou was a wonderful cook and baker, a voracious reader, and a talented knitter who could create just about anything. She enjoyed browsing antique stores, tending to her flowers, and, most of all, spending time visiting with family and friends. Lou developed a passion for genealogy and spent several years researching her family history, taking great pride in discovering and learning more about her Scots-Irish heritage. She also enjoyed puzzle books, coloring, and, of course, anything chocolate.

Lou is survived by daughters, Christina (Bruce) Thompson and Teresa Wright; grandchildren, Amy Busse, Melanie Busse, Josh Wright and David (Catherine) Wright; great-grandchildren, Rigel Peterson, Altair Peterson, Jared (Tavyn) Wright and Kalista Wright; sister, Mary Lee Curtin; and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fritz; son, Rick; brother, Gilbert; sister, Dorothy; infant siblings, Alice, Andy and Allen; special cousin, Joan Heiman; and best friend, Sally Martinson.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of the service on Saturday.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Groff and her staff, the staff of Eden Vista, especially Montana, Brian and Mars, and the hospice staff, especially Meghan, for their compassionate care and kindness. The family is also deeply grateful to dear friends Linda and Marilyn for their unwavering support and friendship.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Lucille Busse

December 13, 1932 - September 25, 2026

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