Bernard Busta

Bernard “Bernie” James Busta age 81 of Waucoma, IA died Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, IA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Lawler. Luncheon will be at the Starlite Ballroom following the interment.
Friends may greet the family from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024, at St. Luke’s Catholic Catholic Church in St. Lucas where there will be a 3:00 p.m. Rosary and a 7:00 p.m. scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Monday.
Bernard James “Bernie” Busta, a cherished husband, father, and pillar of the community, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024, in Decorah, IA. Born on November 19, 1942, in rural Ft. Atkinson, IA, the son of Edward Sr. and Elizabeth (Heley) Busta. Bernie’s life was a testament to the values of faith, hard work, dedication, and love for family and friends.
Bernie’s early years were spent in the close-knit community of Ft. Atkinson, where he attended Ft. Atkinson High School. It was during this time that a chance encounter at a root beer stand in Calmar would chart the course of his life. It was there that he met the love of his life, Karen Lutkenhaus, as she enjoyed a summer’s day ride in a convertible. Their first date at a bowling alley in Decorah would lead to a lifetime of love and togetherness. The couple was blessed with a loving family of five children: Cindy, Kevin, Tom, Barb, and Sharon.
Together, Bernie and Karen began their journey as farmers, initially north of Little Turkey, then moving to a farm north of Lawler. Eventually, they settled on their forever farm near Little Turkey, where they spent 47 joyous years cultivating the land and nurturing their family. Bernie’s career spanned many years with Case IH in New Hampton, where he earned his way from shop foreman to salesman. Bernie often quipped that “red was the only color to paint a tractor,” a nod to his loyalty to the brand and his role in the agricultural community.
Later, Bernie joined Balik Implement as a salesman, where he continued to serve the farming community until his retirement at the age of 63. His work ethic was unparalleled, true to his word, often putting in long hours, whether it was in the shop, planting, or harvesting his crop. He farmed his own land while maintaining his career, embodying the essence of a true farmer. Bernie’s devotion to the land, his livestock, and his passion for farming was the hallmark of his life.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Bernie was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Turkey Valley School Board for five years and played a pivotal role in the creation of Jackson Heights Golf Course. His love for dance, especially polka, was well-known, as he and Karen traveled across the United States to various polka dances. He was instrumental in planning and the implementation of the Spillville Polka Fest at the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville, IA. Bernie’s grace on the dance floor was often described as “smooth as butter,” a testament to his joy for life and celebration.
In his later years, Bernie found solace and pleasure in gardening. He cultivated large vegetable gardens, not for profit, but to share the bounty with neighbors, family, and friends. Bernie’s generosity was evident as he was often spotted driving around the neighborhood, delivering fresh produce and brightening the days of those around him.
Bernie will be remembered as a loving and friendly man, always ready to lend a hand. His commitment to his faith, family, work, and community was unwavering. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through the lives of those he touched.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Karen Busta of Waucoma, IA; two sons, Kevin Busta of West Union, IA, Tom (Suzanne) Busta of Adel, IA, and their children, Morgan, Brynn, and Dylan Busta; three daughters, Cindy Busta of Waverly, IA and her son, J.C. Busta and grandson, Bryson Jacque; Barb (Joe) Weigel of Cedar Falls, IA, and their children, Noah and Alex Weigel; Sharon (Troy) Collins of Waverly, IA, and their children Jenna and Kyrie Collins; two brothers, Arnold (Sandy) Busta of Lawler, IA, Jim (Mary Lou) Busta of Onalaska, WI; one sister, Darlene Gebel of New Hampton, IA; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Busta of Lawler, IA, Angie Busta of Ft. Atkinson, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edward Busta Jr, and Walter Busta; three sisters, Lorraine (Ed) Panos, Gladys (Richard) Balik, and Elizabeth “Bets” Busta.