Elmer Jay Bussema

Elmer Jay Bussema, 94, of Pigeon, passed away peacefully Friday, October 21, 2022 at Scheurer Long Term Care in Pigeon.

Elmer was born March 20, 1928 in Grand Rapids to the late John and Lena (Schuchard) Bussema. He graduated from Ortonville High School in 1946. He proudly served in the US Army of Occupation in Germany from 1946 to 1948 and was later recalled to serve during the Korean War in 1950 to 1951. He married Joyce Koester on September 9, 1950 in Ortonville and they recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.

Elmer graduated from Wayne State University Department of Mortuary Science in 1952. He worked as a funeral director in the Detroit area before moving to Pigeon in 1969 and purchasing the Shetler Funeral Home. He owned the Shetler-Bussema Funeral Home until his retirement in 1989. After retiring he continued his involvement in the community by serving on the Human Development Commission Board, the Caseville American Legion where he served as chaplain, Pigeon Rotary Club (past-president), Caseville Kiwanis Club and Salem United Methodist Church. He enjoyed singing with the church choir and the Pigeon Community Men’s Chorus. He served on the Board of Directors of Scheurer Hospital and was instrumental in the current hospital’s construction.

Elmer is survived by his wife Joyce; children Susan Clabuesch of Auburn, Bruce of Pigeon, Marlene (Marion) Shetler of Bay Port and Beth (Gene Fuerst)Terrill of Bay Port; grandchildren Lisa (Patrick) Nowak, Garret (Nickol) Shetler, Derek (Ashley) Shetler, and Erika (Josh Quertermous) Terrill; great-grandchildren Hudson, Sutton, Everret, Asa, Harlow, Rowen, Luka, Wyatt, Zhander, and Paige; and step-sisters Pearl Loppicolo and Marcia Nugent. He was preceded in death by his step-mother T. Dorothy Bussema and grandson Kevin Gotwalt.

Funeral services will be 2:00pm Tuesday, October 25th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Albert Barchue officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Grand Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-8pm Monday.

Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church or The Salvation Army.