David Busby

   David Wayne Busby, 72, of West Fargo, ND passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20th with his cat by his side.

   David was born January 1, 1951, to Loyal and Doloris (Hogenson) Busby and grew up on the family farm near Hitterdal, MN. He graduated from Hitterdal High School in 1969. Following high school, he joined the United States Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. There he served as an Airborne Sensor Specialist on the OV 1 Mohawk.   Following his discharge from the army he was employed by Sorenson Construction doing cement work for water treatment plants, followed by time working for Eid-Co.

   On July 14, 1973, David was united in marriage with Rebecca (Stumbo) Busby of Ulen, MN. They were married for 34 years and raised their four children in the Hitterdal, MN area. He briefly owned and operated the Champlin gas station in Ulen, MN, then farmed with his brother, Danny Busby, for several years.  After dissolving their partnership, he went to work at American Crystal Sugar Company, Moorhead, MN and retired from there in 2012. Farming was David’s true passion, and he continued to help his father on the family farm until his father retired from farming. David later moved to West Fargo, ND where he lived for a period with his then partner Terri Fisher. 

   David’s dry sense of humor was lost on some, but appreciated by many. He enjoyed playing poker and visiting with his brother and sisters during gatherings at the family farm. He placed lawn chairs in various places in his yard so he could have a place in the shade to watch the robins. In recent years he preferred time at home with his cat and watching the Minnesota Twins. He was proud of his service in Vietnam and often talked about the OV 1 Mohawk he flew on during that time. His service in Vietnam led to a lifelong love of aviation and he attended many air shows.

   He is survived by his children Tiffany (Al) Peterson of Lincoln, ND, Tanner (Anna) Busby of Woodinville, WA, Shane Busby of Moorhead, MN, and Megan (Mike) Hartsoch of West Fargo, ND. Seven grandchildren – Owen & Cooper Peterson, Callum & Cadyn Busby, Shawn, Brynlee & Charley Hartsoch, and grand dog Steve; his cat who was always by his side; seven sisters - Sharon (Gene) Willgohs of Henning, MN, Pat Anderson of West Fargo, ND, Linda Rydjord of Vacaville, CA, Mary Karim of Duluth, MN, Gail (Tom) Spillum of Rollag, MN, Jeri Sakrismo of Twin Valley, MN, and Maureen (David) VanDenEinde of Bejou, MN; sister in law Lori Busby of Hitterdal, MN, and brother in law Breck Wilson of Dilworth, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

   David was preceded in death by his parents Loyal & Doloris Busby, brother Danny Busby, sister Paula Wilson, brothers in law Jerain “Jiggs” Anderson, Michael Rydjord, Raj Karim, Linn Sakrismo, and a niece Carrie (Wilson) Krumwiede.

   In lieu of flowers, David’s children ask that memorials be made to Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN, and the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation.

   Funeral Service: Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Burial: Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

www.westfuneralhome.com

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