Minnie Louise Buyse

On a crisp clear winter day, this beautiful Wife, Mother and Friend of many was welcomed into Heaven by God. Minnie was the youngest of 4 children born to Grace and Ray Campbell, and was the last to be called home on December 1, 2016. She was preceded in death by her 3 brothers, Glen, Donald and Melvin. Minnie was born on December 27, 1931 on the family farm in Lake Crystal Minnesota. Although her father died when Minnie was just 2, her older brothers surrounded and protected her well into her teenage years. Minnie met her match in a husband when she was introduced to Air Force Lieutenant Robert J. Buyse in the spring of 1947. They slowly started dating over the years, and when Bob got his "Wings" in the Air Force, he made it his habit to let Minnie know when he was arriving by "Buzzing" the family farm in his F94-C jet at 200' above their farmhouse. Well, as you can imagine, the hired hands were not amused by Bob when he deployed the afterburners and they had to round up the many scattered livestock! The neighbors all knew when Buyse was coming to town. Minnie was enthralled with Bob, and they married in 1952. During these years, Minnie attended Northwestern University and pursued a degree in music and often could be heard singing in Trios on the radio in the late 40's early 50's. Minnie's sharp musical mind was later in life put to good work in their local church, Arcade Baptist in Sacramento. She was often called to fill in for the choir director at the last minute, and for over 17 years was the Director of Primary Choir for children at Arcade. Minnie also started two all-girl high school musical groups. Both the "Freeway Singers" and "The Treble Tones" produced albums under Minnie's direction. She and her husband Bob later toured each of these groups to the Hawaiian Islands where they sang at local churches and functions in Hawaii and California in the seventies. When Minnie wasn't busy playing the piano or directing, she could be found on the tennis court. That California tan didn't come easy! Daily sets of tennis were the norm with friends or family at the club near their home in Carmichael. Minnie and Bob loved playing tennis regularly and Minnie continued playing into her late 70's. Her greatest expertise though, was a pie maker. For all of you who have been lucky enough to taste one of her famous pies, you understand why. Minnie and Bob also loved to travel and their journeys over the years have taken them to the streets of Jerusalem where they walked in the steps of Christ, while also traveling by rail, boat and car to many other European destinations. In the later years, they traveled closer to home in the United States, where their all time favorite place was the condo in Palm Springs where they went every April, playing tennis and entertained their grandchildren. To all who knew Minnie, she was beloved. She was warm and accepting and encouraging to all. She was talented and inspirational, embracing all with a warm and friendly smile. She was loving, nurturing and most of all genuine. Her home was always a cheerful gathering place for family and friends. She loved the Lord and she served him all her life and was always sharing that love with others. She was a precious treasure to her family, friends and the joy and love of Bob her husband. Minnie leaves behind her husband of 64 years Robert J. Buyse, daughters Nancy (Butch) Corum, Debbie (Denny) Bilton and son, Brad (Troy) Buyse-Stauss, and her 3 grandchildren, Dustin, Danielle, Cassandra, and 4 great-grandchildren Peyton, Carson, Micah and Avery. Minnie's life will be celebrated at Arcade Church, 3927 Marconi Ave, Sacramento CA. (services pending) In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Arcade Church - Missions. She will be forever missed, but never ever forgotten.