Service Information
Ilene Bussler, age 88, of Waconia formerly of Winthrop passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at Glencoe Regional Health Services in Glencoe.
Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 1:00 P.M. at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop with interment in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Cemetery, Penn Township, McLeod County, Minnesota.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 11:00 A.M-1:00 P.M. (2 hours prior), ALL at the church.
Service to be Live Streamed on Peace Lutheran Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PLChurch55396?mibextid=ZbWKwL
You Tube https://youtube.com/@plchurch55396?si=O4M9ZeWkXxGny4Ar
Obituary
Ilene Ida (Russell) Bussler, a woman of remarkable strength and unwavering dedication, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on June 17, 2024. Born on December 7th, 1935, in New Ulm, Minnesota, Ilene was the first-born daughter to William Stevenson Russell & Ida (Bauermeister) Russell. Ilene’s journey was defined by love, faith, and a deep-rooted commitment to her family.
Ilene grew up on the Russell farm across from the Harkin General Store, near New Ulm, which was owned by her Great Grandfather, Alexander Harkin. She resided there until her family moved to Winthrop in 1947. Ilene graduated from Winthrop High School in 1954. After graduating, she went on to nursing school in New Ulm, Minnesota. She then embarked on a fulfilling career as a nurse of over 50 years.
On August 4th, 1957, Ilene married her high school sweetheart, Delfert Waldemar Bussler, at First Methodist Church in Lafayette. Their union was blessed with 5 children, marking the beginning of a lifetime filled with shared experiences and love. Together, they spent many winters in Arizona for over 16 years. Both known for being hard workers, they ran and operated their farm from the start of their marriage to 1987.
Ilene was not just a devoted wife but also a nurturing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who poured unconditional love into every aspect of her life. She found great joy in connecting with her family in various ways. Often, she would text her older grandchildren or great grandchildren to get the latest updates about their lives. There is no denying, that Ilene’s commitment to her health allowed her to connect with her family through sports and adventure. These memories include kayaking in Maryland, hot air ballooning in Arizona, and parasailing in Cabo San Lucas. You often could find her in the stands in Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Maryland, & Arizona watching her grandchildren & great-grandchildren’s sporting events. Her faith was an integral part of who she was; a member of Peace Lutheran Church of Winthrop since 1986. She was confirmed into her faith on April 10th, 1949. Ilene grew in her faith even more while attending Frontenac Camp as a teen. She knew and loved the Lord Jesus Christ and exemplified grace and compassion in all that she did, often reminding her loved ones to “trust Jesus”.
Outside of work and home, Ilene found joy in sharing her love of music with those around her. She touched the lives of many by teaching countless students piano lessons, playing the organ for hundreds of church services and weddings, and accompanying high school music students. Ilene was still actively playing the organ for various church services up until the time of her passing. It wasn’t uncommon to find Ilene working in a small garden, playing a hand of cards with friends, or baking.
As Ilene bids farewell to this world, her memory lives on through her surviving family: loving children; Barbara (Larry) Bumgardner of Park Rapids, MN, Brian (LuAnn) Bussler of Chandler, AZ, Denise (Joe) Kalenberg of Waconia, MN, and Andrea Bussler of Highland, MD. She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Amber (Josh) Lamp, Darren (Krista) Bumgardner, Marc (Heather) Bumgardner, Tony Loftness, Sidney Bussler, Trey Bussler, Abby (Joe) Nessa, Jack Kalenberg, Max Kalenberg, Taylor Thompson, Travis Thompson, and Callie Thompson. Great-grandchildren, Bryce, Ashlynn, Payton & Avery Lamp, Olivia Bumgardner, Brielle, Brynna & Harkin Bumgardner, Brody, Harper, & Rhett Loftness, Nora Nessa and Zion Wainwright. Sister, Beth Russell of Waconia, MN, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and generosity.
Ilene was preceded in death by her husband, Delfert Bussler, son, Darren Bussler, sister, Lorna Runck, and granddaughter, Mariah Loftness.
Ilene leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering dedication—an extraordinary woman whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
Arden and Marilyn Alsleben says
I am so sorry for your loss of your mom Ilene Bussler. She was such a good organist and pianist and friend. Prayers for your family.
Barbara Bussler Bumgardner says
Thank you Marilyn & Arden for your kind words of sympathy, care & concern. Mom’s gift of music was her ministry. So glad you enjoyed it!
Lorie Kirtz says
Sympathies to the whole family! She will always be the best tractor driver as she drove the Ameriprise float in the Glencoe parade each year. She was so kind and sweet.
Lorie Kirtz
Barbara Bussler Bumgardner says
Yes, Lori, Mom surely enjoyed that job of driving tractor for Ameriprise!!
Once a farm girl, always a farm girl!!
Thank you for sharing that memory.
Lorie Kirtz says
Sympathies to the whole family. She will always be the best tractor driver as she drove the Ameriprise float in the Glencoe parade each year. She was so kind and sweet.
Stephanie Fahie says
We will always remember her support on the baseball field. She will be greatly missed
Stephanie Fahie says
She will always be remembered for the energy she brought to the baseball field. Always a warm, sweet presence. She’ll be missed greatly.
Barbara Bussler Bumgardner says
Thank you Stephanie for sharing this!
Mom’s love for sports was another extention of who she was. The thrill of the game and watching her family involvement brought her great joy!
Clydia Bennett says
Barb and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom is free of pain now and enjoying her time with Jesus.
Many hugs and prayers for all of you during this time.
Barbara Bussler Bumgardner says
Thank you Clydia for your support, calls & messages these last 2 weeks. It has meant so much to us!
Bless you!
Miriam Rodvik-Billings says
Dear family of Ilene,
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s death. Our mothers met when they both moved to Westview in Waconia. They shared and loved Jesus, music and conservative politics. They were good friends and Ilene will be missed.
Blessings to your family.
Miriam
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Miriam for your kind words on our mom! Your mom was dearly loved by our mom and YES, they shared much in the Spirit of Jesus, music and Conservative politics! We are so thankful for your mom and the blessing of their friendship. It was so good to see her yesterday with Ann at the funeral. God’s Richest Blessings to your family from our family!
Corinne Hable says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ilene. Such a beautiful soul, and so much fun. I have thought of her so often over the years- and all the good times we had working together thru church synod gatherings and projects. Peace be to all!
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Corrine for your message of sympathy! Mom treasured the times you and she got to work together and the enjoyment it brought. She recalled those times often over the years. Blessings and peace to you and your family.
Tony & Marge Kloeckl says
Deepest Sympathy on the death of Ilene. We, the class of 1954 Winthrop High School , will really miss her. She was always instrumental in getting our 1953 and 1954 Class Reunions together and had all the information, etc. She and Delford were such a nice couple. We always enjoyed their company. I so enjoyed going with Ilene to JoAnn Kolbaske’s visitation and Merrill Ellies funeral —( in just the last 2 months!!) God bless Ilene and God bless all of you at this sad time. Love, Tony & Marge (Bauer) Kloeckl
Barbara Bumgardner says
Marge & Tony,
It was so good to see you at mom’s Celebration of Life. She loved planning the 53-54 Class Reunion’s and your name always came up when talking about the planning and the get together. Mom’s zest for all things fun and involving others was the joy she loved to share. We hope that someone will continue the planning and celebrate the years you all shared!
Val Roepke Uecker says
My Sympathy to the Bussler Family. Ilene was such a kind, friendly person…always fun to visit with. Her piano and organ skills were outstanding. She will be missed. Sending hugs, prayers, peace and comfort. God’s blessings!!
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Val for your kind message of sympathy and caring! She enjoyed visiting and hearing how those she cared about were doing. The years of music she shared was her ministry and legacy. Blessing to you!
Kim Schimmelpfennig says
So sorry for your loss.
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Kim for your sympathy and caring!
Carol Anderson says
So sorry and shocked to hear of Ilene’s passing. She was so dedicated to friends and family, always willing to help anyone who needed it. I will always remember the wonderful get-togethers we had in AZ, she loved to cook. Ilene is with those she loved who passed before, she is at peace!
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Carol for your love and friendship to both of our parents all these years. You and Duane, the amazing dear friends whom they anxiously looked forward to being with in Arizona or here at home. It was so good to see you yesterday and we are thankful you could join us in her Celebration of Life. God’s blessings to you!
Mark Manalo says
My deepest condolences to your family! She was such a wonderful Aunt! I will miss her very much and will cherish all the great memories of her!
Barbara Bumgardner says
Oh Mark, thank you for your message of sympathy! She loved being your Godparent and was thrilled to have your parents as her and dad’s dear friends. So many memories our families made over the years. To you Mark, my mom’s message to her grandchildren and godchildren was this…take care of yourself and your family and Trust Jesus!
Take care dear one!
Jennifer L. Schmidt says
Sending sympathy and friendship. I remember Ilene from 4-H ( Lake Marion Lakers). RIP. Blessed be her memory.
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Jennifer for your condolences and the memories of 4-H days!! It was so good to see your mom yesterday at the funeral too. Blessings to you!
Doug and Marlene says
Our sympathies to the family of Ilene. What a special lady she was. Take comfort in the knowledge that she is in the hands of Jesus, our Lord.
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Doug & Marlene! We so treasure your friendship and the care you have given to us during this time of sadness and loss. Knowing where she is, means we will see her again!!
Love to you both!
Iris Bowman says
Andrea, Barb and Family,
I was so shocked to hear about Ms. Ilene’s passing. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal!!
I’ll always treasure my Maryland memory of Ms. Ilene’s passion for playing the piano and also sharing piano pointers with Erika. She played with such great passion and precision. I also enjoyed listening to her soft voice share her farm stories and her love for baseball.
I could not help but love her!
Andrea, Stay strong and please know that I’ll always be here for you!
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Iris!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of our mom and the impact she left on you and your Erika. It means so much to all of us that she left a mark on the hearts of many both near and far.
Take care of yourself and blessings to you and your family!
Kathy Wenninger says
Dearest Barbara, Larry and entire family. We are so very sorry to have just learned today of the loss of your beautiful servants heart of a mother. She was such a gift to sooo many. So privileged to have been.apart of her life and love ,the gift she gave to so many and always her best yes. Our love and support and prayers and deepest od sympathys…Praying for you all!! Holding you ever so close!!!
Barbara Bumgardner says
Thank you Kathy for your prayers, love, support and kind words of our mom/grandmother/great-grandmother. She leaves us all an amazing legacy, one that we all hope to honor and carry on. Thank you for sharing with us, as it means so much!