Kathryn "Kass" Bussler

Kathryn “Kass” Bussler was a compassionate woman who considered it a privilege to care for others, pouring herself into caring for her family. Her unwavering faith was her constant companion throughout her life, even during trying times.

During a decade in which the mass production of cars began and children were more commonly found in the workplace than in schools, Benjamin and Hattie (VanderLeest) Bilkert rejoiced in the birth of their daughter, Kathryn, on May 22, 1915, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was joined in her family by a younger brother, but he died very young, which left Kass to be raised as an only child. The Bilkert family was deeply rooted in the Christian faith and Kass was raised as a devout member of 12th Street Christian Reformed Church. She lived on the west side of Grand Rapids where she was a bit of a tomboy and attended local schools, including Union High School. As a high school student, Kass formed a friendship with five girls that continued for decades, referring to themselves as the “Club Girls.”

After graduating from high school in 1933, Kass found work at Irwin Furniture Factory, which was quite fortunate since these were the years of the Great Depression. It was also during this time that she met and married Laverne “Bud” Bussler on November 22, 1936. They were blessed with four children, although their daughter Sharon died as an infant and they lost their son, Bruce at the age of 21. Their family was faithful members of Trinity Reformed Church and enjoyed camping throughout the state and renting cottages with their extended family. Although Kass worked outside of the home a bit, her main focus was on caring for her family and her home, rarely taking any time for herself. She was a great cook, especially of her old fashioned meat and potato dinners.

With her free time, Kass enjoyed pursuing a few interests. She got involved in ceramics later in life and made a variety of things that she gave away to her family. When she was in her eighties, she and Bud joined a bowling league, and she was also active at church.

Relationships with her family were always a vital part of Kass’s life. She was close to her mother who lived upstairs in their home for a time and when grandchildren arrived, they became the light of her life. Bud was her true love and they were rarely apart. They completely depended on one another and together, they needed little help from others.

Later in life, Kass and Bud moved into Marsh Ridge in 2004 when they needed a smaller home. Then in 2009 when Kass fell and broke her hip, they moved to the Christian Rest Home. Shortly thereafter, she was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Bud.

Kathryn “Kass” Bussler was a remarkable woman who will be missed by those she leaves behind.

Kathryn “Kass” Bussler died on March 12, 2010. Kass’s family includes her children Gaylene Bussler, Beverly (Victor) Maki; grandchildren Chris, Katie and Megan; great grandson Ayden; and several nieces, nephews and friends. Kass was preceded in death by her husband, Laverne “Bud” Bussler; an infant daughter, Sharon; son, Bruce Bussler; and her sister and brother-in-laws. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 16 at 12 noon at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van’t Hof – Grand Rapids, MI, where friends may visit with her family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment in Washington Park Memory Gardens. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to either Spectrum Health Hospice or the Christian Rest Home.