Jacob Busick

Jacob Daniel Busick, Sr., 90, known as “The Farmer” to many folks, of Buchanan, Michigan died Thursday, October 10, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. Jake was born April 5, 1923 in Glendora, Michigan to Andrew and Christina (Hirschstein) Busick. He attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Glendora where he was confirmed April 10, 1938 and a lifetime member along with his family.

Jake married Shirley Larson, Chicago, Illinois, March 29, 1947 and together had 6 children. He was a devoted husband and loving father.

Jake was a dairy farmer where he taught his children the value of life and hard work. He loved all his International tractors which are used on his farm today. Farming was his trait at heart, however he worked for Industrial Rubber Company in New Troy, Michigan and Clark Equipment in Buchanan, Michigan. Upon retirement from the factories he then continued farming with his son Jake, who is farming along with his son Jake III today. A dream fulfilled to have his farm (The Troy Meadow Farm) keep running as a family farm with the help of all his grandsons.

Along with 4-H and the Berrien County Youth Fair, which was a big part of his life when the children were young, he was proud with all the sheep and steers that took Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. A Proud Papa!

Jake and Shirley couldn’t wait until blueberry season came where they helped pack blueberries at Ed and Jeri Klug Blueberry Farm. They were the oldest folks there and the young ones looked up to them. Not only mentors in their own family but to many others, always great teachers in every way.

He also loved being involved with the Buchanan Co-op and other farm groups. Always enjoyed the picnics with all the farmers.

Jake loved his family time and holidays with all his children and their families. Always a big get together at the “Farm” - a special time for him and wife Shirley...along with polka music which he taught all his daughters to polka and a card game or two of eucher.

He loved to watch wrestling on TV along with the Polka’s and Gaither Gospel Music. Most of all he loved mowing his lawn and being outside. He loved feeding his birds and hearing the sound of all his wind chimes.

Survivors include his wife Shirley of 66 years; daughters - Andrea (Robert) Bucks of Baroda, Christina (Lonnie) Zebell of Three Oaks, Jackie Helmuth of Galien, Jake Busick II of Stevensville, Joanne (Ron) Ruhno of Stevensville and Linda Boyer of Stevensville; grandchildren - Trudy (David) White, Bobby Bucks, Tammy Bucks, Jenny (Bill) Allwod, Troy Zebell & Tricia Binversie, Jason Busick, George Helmuth III & Sara Tyler, Jacob Busick III & Tina White and Christopher (Michelle) Barnes; great grandchildren - Anthony, Lindsey, Paige, Remington, Hunter, Austyn, Tyler, Cooper, Tanner, Hailey, George IV, Logan, Candy, Amanda, Arthur, Addisyn, Alex, Ethan; great great grandchildren - Ava & Mya; along with many nieces, nephews, friends and his faithful canine companion, Lady.

Jake was also preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Christina Busick; sisters - Marie Spears, Katherine Zelmer, Margaret Zelmer, Lydia Dettman and Emily Clem; brothers - George Busick, Henry Busick, Andrew Busick III, and John Busick; son-in-laws: Mike Gardner and Arthur Boyer.

Visitation will be Monday, October 14, 2013 from 4 - 8 PM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. Services will be held at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1733 Glendora Road, Buchanan, Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 11 AM. Final resting place at Weesaw Township Cemetery in Buchanan.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1733 Glendora Road, Buchanan, Michigan 49107 OR Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.