Patrick Busha's Obituary
Patrick J. Busha
May 20, 1936-September 27, 2021
Patrick “Pat” Busha stood tall as he faced the final curtain call on September 27, 2021, after living a full and wonderful life.
On May 20th, 1936, Clarence and Janet (Friday) Busha welcomed their son Pat into this world. Pat’s only sibling, Bill had joined the family nine years earlier. Growing up on the north side of Oshkosh, Pat attended St. Peter’s school and Oshkosh High School where he earned the nickname, “Whitey” because of his snow-white colored hair. After high school, Pat enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 where he eventually became a Military Police officer and was assigned to protect Nike anti-aircraft missile bases along the California coast line during the cold war. After serving his country honorably, Pat returned to Oshkosh in 1959 and continued his noble service to his community by becoming a Police Officer for the City of Oshkosh. For the next 34 years he served the City of Oshkosh with distinction and honor, first as a Patrolman, ultimately promoted to Sergeant, Detective, Lieutenant and finally ending his career as the Captain of Detectives. Retirement was short lived however for Pat as he continued his role as protector and guardian for the next 19 years as he became a bailiff for the Winnebago County Court system. Ensuring that there was order in the court and that the coffee and doughnuts were well stocked for the various judges he served, Pat hung up his blue blazer and badge in 2017.
Although Pat’s extensive law enforcement career was one of his life’s highest honor, it was his family that he was most proud of. On September 05, 1959 he married the love of his life, Mary (Perdue). Together they welcomed five children, Nancy (Terry) Meulemans, James (Jean), Ann (Brian) Rumlow, Thomas, Elizabeth Gruetzmacher, twelve grandchildren, Matthew Putz, Lauren Meulemans, Caitlin (Chris) Yogerst, Charlie, Riley and Benjamin Busha, David, Emily and Ashley Moss, Haley Richter, Austin (Heather) and Bradley Gruetzmacher and four great grandchildren.
Pat was proceeded in death by his father Clarence, mother Janet, and brother Bill.
Pat wanted to be remembered by one of his favorite songs sung by Frank Sinatra, My Way
And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I've travelled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
… Regrets I've had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each chartered course
Each careful step along the by-way
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
… Yes, there were times
I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all
And I stood tall
And did it my way
… I've loved, I've laughed, and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
"Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way"
… For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
… Yes, it was my way
A Memorial Mass for Pat will be held on Saturday October 2, in St Raphael Catholic Church with the Rev Kevin Ripley officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the hour of services.
What’s your fondest memory of Patrick?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patrick?
Share a story where Patrick's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patrick you’ll never forget.
How did Patrick make you smile?