Colleen Busta
June 16, 1936 ~ January 24, 2018
Colleen Busta age 81 of Lawler, IA, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday January 24, 2018 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 29, 2018, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Lawler, with Rev. Kyle Digmann celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed by Colleen's children. Lector for the service will be Katie Adams. Vocalist will be Kim Ball accompanied by Jeanette Dietzenbach, organist. Presenting the offertory gifts will be Brooke Busta, Kirsten Busta and Chelsea Busta.
Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Little Turkey, with Nick Speltz, Nathan Adams, Russell Busta, Blair Busta, Jason Kuehner, and Lacey McGrath serving as pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Lawler where there will be a 6:30 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.
Colleen Marie Busta was born June 16, 1936, on the Mikesh family farm near Spillville, IA, the daughter of Clarence and Loretta (Mikesh) Kalishek. She received her education in Protivin and was a 1954 graduate of the Rudolphinium High School. Colleen continued her education at Clark College in Dubuque. She was united in marriage to Donald C. Busta on May 21, 1956 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. The couple were blessed with eight children who were raised in a home filled with the sound of music. Together the couple farmed north of Little Turkey and Colleen also worked at Sara Lee for several years. Colleen enjoyed singing for numerous weddings and funerals starting at the age of 13. She was organist for Assumption Parish for over 40 years and taught piano lessons. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, especially euchre. Colleen had a strong faith which she shared with everyone. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Legion Auxiliary. Her upbeat personality and smile will be missed by all who knew her.
Mom will always be remembered for her love of family, friends and music, her caring nature and beautiful smile. What a privilege it has been to call her mom.
Left to cherish Colleen's memory are her eight children, Debbie (Tim) Speltz of Lawler, Jeannie (Scott) Adams of Waucoma, D.J. (Kim) Busta of Lawler, Bob (Ruth) Busta of Little Turkey, Julie (Joe) Kuehner of Center Point, Harold (Lisa) Busta of Lawler, David Busta of Oklahoma City, Brad Busta of Underwood, IA; twenty one grandchildren, twenty three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Sonny (Bonnie) Kalishek, Joe (Sue) Kalishek, all of New Hampton; one sister, Janis Crisman of Story City, IA; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald C. “Sluggo” Busta on July 20, 1995; one brother, Gary Kalishek.
“Love the people God gave you because He will need them back one day.”
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To all the bustas
I am so sorry for your loss. Colleen was like a second mother to us. Always with a smile and something positive to say. She was such a good friend to mom till the end. How blessed we all are to have had her in our lives!
Debbie, Jean, DJ, Bob, David, Harold, Julie and Fozz:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope that all the beautiful memories and laughs you share will get you through this goodbye. Colleen was and is always a big part of our family and heart. She took me and Debbie to our first movie,”Mary Poppins”, of course a musical. Thank you all for sharing her with us. Mom and her are having coffee, giving updates on us all and sending us prayers.
Lyle and Denise Smith
Heaven has an angel. Peace to all the family.
Colleen will now be leading the choir of heavenly angels. What a lovely woman. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Our deepest sympathy on your loss of Colleen ! She was special to all who were blessed to have known her ! She will be loved and missed by many! Sending our love and prayers! ❤
The Little Turkey ladies (Alice Kuennen, Mary Lee Timlin, Jeannie Meyer, Tina Clancy (not pictured) and myself will miss this lovely lady. We visited her when we got together when we were up home. She was such a lovely lady and will be remembered for her lovely voice and beautiful smile. You all have our sympathy in this difficult time.–Birdie
Thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies to you all. She really was a neat Lady!
DJ – so sorry to hear about your mom. She was really a beautiful person and my mom loved her singing so much. Thinking of you and the whole family.
Sue (Goss) Muth
I was always so happy to call Colleen my friend and my relative. She was one of the dearest people I inherited when I married Bob. My visits with her in Little Turkey and Lawler will remain loving, fond memories forever. God blessed her because she was a very special person.
Heaven received a very special angel last night! Sending love and prayers to the Busta family.
GOD BLESS THE BUSTA FAMILY AT THE LOSS OF THERE LOVED ONE COLLEEN. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY.
DAVE AND MARGE MAYO
1080 KELLY DR.
NASHVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 27856
Your mother was an amazing lady, and we feel privileged to have known her. We know she will be deeply missed. We are keeping your families in our thoughts and prayers!
Our sympathy to all The Busta families. Keep those memories close, they will comfort you in the days to come. Hugs.
Joe and Diana Gebel
I met Colleen at Linn Haven Rehab in New Hampton and always enjoyed visiting with her. She had a beautiful smile and very friendly loving personality. Very proud of her eight children. My sympathies to her whole family. I know she sang for many people at weddings and funerals! A lovely person.
Busta Family,
My sympathy to all Colleen’s family. I have many fond memories being with Colleen. She will be greatly missed by all. Prayer’s to all.
God’s blessing to Colleen and her family. We are sure she is singing out her heart to all who hear.
Prayers to her family.
All our thoughts and prayers to Colleen’s family. I have many memories of working with her and seeing her socially. She was a great person, co-worker and she had an amazing voice. She will definitely be missed and heaven received a wonderful gift. May her memories fill your thoughts in the next days. David and Jeanne Roder
The Busta family our thoughts and prayers your way. Larry & Jane Finnegan
Busta family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. You’re mom was a wonderful lady and I have so many memories from our younger days. Jan and Cindy Hadacek Sweeney
I will always treasure my time with Colleen while she was at Linn-Haven. She was such a sweet lady with a kind heart and beautiful voice. Still remember her singing away in the whirlpool tub. Just beautiful! Prayers to everyone.
Keeping all of the Busta family in our prayers. Charlie and I am a part of the many couples blessed to have Colleen sing at our wedding (30 years ago for us). Colleen always had such a sweet voice and a beautiful heart.
My Deepest Sympathy goes to Colleen’s entire family. Prayers and Thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
To the Busta Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Leo and Bev Dowd
She was such a wonderful person and she had an amazing voice. I worked with her for a number of years and she would make every day easier to get through. She will be missed.
Busta family you have aour deepest sympathy.
Sympathies to the Busta family on the loss of your mother and grandmother. You already know that Colleen was a beautiful person inside and out, but many other people could see it too.
Back in the day, my long runs would take me past Colleen’s house. Several time when she saw me running by, she would come outside to give a friendly hello and we would visit a bit.
Our conversations had a comfortable pattern. She would almost always compliment how I looked, which was quite generous considering I was usually wearing a mismatched t-shirt and running shorts with a sweat-stained baseball cap. On the other hand, I felt Colleen was one of the best-dressed women I knew and especially noticed it at church. I admired how she dressed up for Jesus every Sunday. I fail to emulate Colleen this way, but because of her I at least think twice when I’m selecting my wardrobe for Mass.
Our short visits would eventually wind their way toward how much she missed Sluggo, but that she was thankful that she could see a part of him in each one of her kids–either through a physical trait or a mannerism. What a love story those two had.
Colleen had a very loving heart. She loved Jesus and everyone else. When it comes to a life lived well–she nailed it!
God bless you Colleen.
WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE BUSTA FAMILY. FROM TIM & CINDY HOWLAND & TIM THE MUSIC MAN FROM PROTIVIN.
Colleen is singing in the heavenly choir with the angels. We had the GIFT of her singing at our wedding Mass over 52 years ago. She was such a lovely person as always had something kind to say. . Our sympathy and prayers to all her children and families. Hugs, Tom and Norma Denner
Our deepest sympathy to Colleen’s family. She will be remembered fondly by many.
Thought sharing a cheese cake candle would be appropriate since I worked together for many hours on the cheese cake line together at Sara Lee. Colleen taught me so much but one thing never forget is the positive attitude she always shined when being around her. Prayers and hugs. Cherish her smile in your hearts. Janice, Gary and Sam Tank
Our deepest sympathy to the Busta family. Alden & Marie Panos
To the entire Busta family, Heaven certainly gained a precious Angel! All I can say working side by side with her for many years is how she taught all of us the importance of faith, family & love ! She was so proud of all her children & grandkids! Whenever she talked about her family the light shined so bright through her. I learned a lot about how to cook working with her. Dan & I are so very sorry for your loss. She is with the love of her life now along with God! Hugs to you all. Dan & Peg Testroet
Our deepest sympathy to Colleen’s family for your loss! Your loss is heaven’s gain as she was an angel during her life on earth. She made an impact on almost every person she came into contact with. Her loving ways and gentle smile made you feel comfortable immediately. She was so kind and compassionate to everyone. We started at Sara Lee when it first opened at the same time and I was fortunate enough to work with her every day. She didn’t whistle while she worked, but sang the songs she loved, bringing joy to everyone. May she rest in peace!
Joe and Sharon Haskovec
Busta Family, Our sympathy and prayers to all. Heaven certainly did receive an angel with a beautiful voice. Colleen was a wonderful lady to visit with about her family and many other things. May she rest in peace. Merle & Karen Schwickerath
My deepest sympathy to the Busta family at the loss of your wonderful mom! I remember her fondly as a kind and generous, joy filled and loving woman! And oh my, what a voice!!! May she sing and dance forever in the arms of God!! Love and prayers, Becky Searcy
I’ve known Colleen all my life My deepest sympathy to the friends and family always had a smile and kind words for everyone she met
Simply… She was the best. Prayers with you all. Love you all, Kurt and Tonja Jirak.
With Heartfelt Sympathy to the family of Colleen Busta…Your loved one will always be remembered. May it console you to know others care. Thinking of you warmly, and in every prayer. Ask God to bless you with courage to bear the sorrow that now fills your heart. As we grieve we must also rejoice as she is embraced by her Heavenly Father. Life has not ended it has merely changed and we will be reunited again someday. With Deepest Sympathy.
In Faith
Di (AKA Diane) and Reecee Kovarik and special friend Roger Craft
Deb and the entire Busta family, She was a beautiful human being with a very big heart that she shared with everyone. Her personality could not be matched. Our prayers as you grieve. Mary and Dennis Buckendahl
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Colleen Busta! We remember your Mom as a very loving, kind and welcoming person, who never forgot a face. Just know that a new star lights the night sky and it will shine forever! May Grace and Peace be with you all during this time of sadness. Love, Kathy and Ed Curry
Thinking of all of you at this sad but yet joyous time, knowing she is again with Sluggo and her parents and others up above. Prayers coming your way that you may find peace with losing such a special gal. Enjoy the memories. Godspeed!
I was saddened to learn of the loss of Colleen, but one thing I know for sure, one of the most beautiful voices on earth went home to Heaven’s choir. Blessed Be. Joanie Hollar
On Ja.n. 29th Colleen wil be laid to rest. Forty-one years ago to the day she was singing for our wedding. Heavens choir just got a whole lot better. Rest in peace Colleen. Brad and Tess Sheehy
Thoughts and prayers to Colleen’s family. We have many memories of working with her at Sara Lee. We feel privileged to have known such a great lady. Yes, heaven received a wonderful gift. May memories fill your hearts in the days ahead.
Our sympathy to Colleen family.She was a very special lady Dan and Joan Lentz
Our thoughts and prayers are with Colleen’s family. Truely a lovely lady in so many ways.
Heaven gained another angel and the bonus is a beautiful voice to liven up heaven. She always had the prettiest smile and good words to share with everybody, She will be missed by many. especially her family but they must go on and remember the fond and fun memories. We want to share our deepest sympathy to her family.
Dennis and Kathy Tieskotter
Our deepest sympathy to the Busta family, Colleen was such a beautiful person from the inside out. I so enjoyed her beautiful spirit, smile, and voice. She made the world a better place, may she now continue that journey in her heavenly space. May she rest in peace. Amen
Dale and Sheila Rassman family
Lifting up the Busta family. Colleen was an amazing music mentor that encouraged me when I was young. She played organ and sang with her heart . She will be greatly missed. Thank you Colleen for all you taught me.
Debbie and Tim and all your families,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. My sincere condolences to you all. Though I did not know her I can see she was a wonderful person. May the blessings be.
Jan (Wurzer) McCune
Our sympathy and prayers go to all of Colleens Family she was a very special person.Tom and Marian Gebel
Our sympathy and prayers go to all of Colleens Family she was a very special person.Tom and Marian Gebel
To Debbie and Jeannie and all the families of Colleen-
My sympathy to you on the loss of your mother. It’s never easy to lose a parent, as it places a void in your heart.
Judging by the pictures contributed, she lead a full life and family was her pride and joy. Why do so many pictures are of the Busta guys with beers in their hands? Good Czech blood is my guess.
Thanks for sharing Tess. Your wedding was also in Lawler’s church. This is where her funeral was.
Thanks Sandy! This was mom!
Thanks Denise for sharing these memories.