William "Bill" Busse, age 73, of Mahnomen, MN, died Sunday, March 06, 2011 at Sanford Health Systems in Fargo, ND.

William Lee Busse was born on February 14, 1938 to Leland and Veronica "Swede" (Martin) Busse in Beaulieu, MN. He attended Daniel South Country School through the 6th grade and graduated with the Mahnomen High School class of 1955. Following graduation, Bill helped his dad on the farm and also at their saw mill. He entered the United States Army in August of 1958 and was honorably discharged in May of 1960 and returned home. On September 24, 1960, Bill was united in marriage to Marcella Blaser at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu. Bill worked for 30 years at Mahnomen Concrete which became Aggregate Industries. He also worked for Gordon Construction and Northwest Constructors.

Bill was particularly fond of the fall and getting together with family and friends to make sausage. Whether it was fishing, hunting, cutting or splitting wood, he enjoyed the outdoors and all it had to offer, including shootin the breeze with anyone he could. After retiring, Bill could routinely be found at the Red Apple Café sharing stories with the other Knights of the Round Table. He also enjoyed time spent playing cards, especially cribbage, pinochle and whist. Bill was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and helped every fall with the annual church dinner and bazaar. He also held memberships with the Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council #2573 and the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31.

Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marcy; two sons, Michael (Debbe) Busse of Addison, Il and Brian (Christy) Busse of Breckenridge, MN; two daughters, Gloria (Randy) Winkler of Fosston, MN and Sheila (Rick) Clark Jr. of Lengby, MN; 11 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter, Arianna Winkler; a brother, James (Diane) of Mahnomen; five sisters: Marge Pederson of Bejou, MN, Sue (Dick) Buche of Hackensack, MN, Jan Smith of Mahnomen, Patty (Duane) Spaeth also of Mahnomen and Chris Olson of Wilton, ND; and special friends, Sharon (Dean) Burkman and their son, Ryan, of Mahnomen.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Lois Steckley and two brothers, Myron "Boog" Busse and infant boy, Joseph Busse.
Blessed be the memory of William Lee Busse.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 11, 2011 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 10th from 5-7 pm with a prayer service and Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen.

Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery Fund or St. Michael's Catholic School.