Bernard Bussman

Bernard "Bernie" Lawrence Bussman, 77, of Red Wing, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, November 30, 2024. He was born January 18, 1947 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Lawrence Bussman and Anna Meier. He graduated from Stewartville High School in 1965. Bernie went on to earn a degree in Economics at St. Benedict's College and graduated in 1969. He answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the Vietnam War. His courage & sacrifice earned him the Purple Heart Medal. After returning home in the early 70's, Bernie started out dairy farming in Racine, and in 1995 he sold the farm and moved to Rochester where he started a business "Surface Doctor," specializing in painting sinks, tubs, and bathroom remodeling. Bernie was self-employed throughout his life, proud of the fact that he was his own boss. He was united in marriage to Lori Christiansen in 2011. Bernie devoted his life to helping others. He went on various mission trips to help people around the world, doing work in Tanzania. For many years, Bernie delivered coats and blankets that had been donated to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Locally, he could be found outside of Bethel Lutheran Church waving, passing out coffee and giving prayers to cars that stopped.

He is survived by his mother Anna; his wife, Lori Christiansen; children Kristin Bussman, Julie (Chris) Bussman, Brady (Gina) Bussman; step-children Dain (Marlene) McMillin, Casey (Jill) McMillin, Danielle (Corey) Christiansen, Dustin (Karli) Christiansen; siblings Margaret (Bill) Reimers, Martin (JoAnn) Bussman, Andrew (Paula) Bussman, Lawrence (Gretchen) Bussman, William (Rita) Bussmann, Albert (Sam) Bussman, John (Deb) Bussman, Konrad (Tahsin) Bussman, Benedict (Barb) Bussman, Mary (Tracy) Bussmann, Loraine (Rossi) Burton, Yolanda (Steve) Labatte-Koball; grandchildren Eve, Jaxon, Kyra, Alex, Natalie, Ellie, Fern, Emilia; previous wives Marcia Bussman, Bonnie McMillin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence; brothers Henry Bussman, Richard "Ricky" Bussman; and grandsons Dylan and Carter.

A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Sunday December 8 at the Red Wing Seventh Day Adventist Church in Red Wing, Minnesota with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will take place at 11 a.m. January 17th at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.