Gene was born January 14, 1937 in Grafton, ND to Robert and Dorothy (Hartje) Busch. Gene spent his youth in Manvel, ND and graduated from Park River High School in 1955. He received his bachelor of science degree in education from Valley City State University; his master of science degree and specialist degree from the University of North Dakota in educational administration.

Gene has held many positions in education throughout the years, including teacher and coach in Flasher, ND, high school principal in Fairview, MT and Hardin, MT, superintendent of schools in Richey, MT, Scobey, MT and Newfolden, MN. He has served as chairperson of the State Commission of Minnesota Administrators, and state director of the Minnesota State High School League. In 1992, he received the Administrator of Excellence award, and he was the youngest superintendent in the state of Montana. He retired in 1992, and he and Marge moved to Mentor, MN.

He married Margaret Thordarson on August 25, 1957, and last August, they celebrated with family and friends 60 years of marriage. Gene and Marge have 3 children: Jeff, Lisa, and Karen.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Rodney Lembke and Ordean Lembke.

Gene is survived by: his wife Marge - Fertile, MN; children Jeff (Julie) Busch - Belgrade, MT; Lisa (Dennis) Noreen - Troutdale, OR; Karen Busch - Fertile, MN; their grandchildren Kyle and Ryan Busch, Peyton and Annika Noreen; his brothers Rod, Cliff, Craig Busch and Dennis Lembke.

Memorial Service: 11:00AM Monday, May 14, 2018, at Little Norway Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN

Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church.

Inurnment: (4:00PM) Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.