Cathern Joyce Busche

Our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the passing of our mother and grandmother. A woman whose arms felt most at home while holding a baby, Joyce was also an avid gardener, hiker, good friend, historian, accomplished artist, and naturalist. At the core of her strength was a deep spirituality, a large circle of family and friends and a positive attitude. Joy came in the form of a child: hers, the neighbor kids, her many nieces and nephews and 3 generations of grandchildren. She also valued her long-term relationships with a tight circle of trusted women friends. We were so lucky to have her for those 97 years.

 She was born on March 19, 1927 to Bessie and Roland Simons on the family homestead in Harshaw, Wisc, a small rural town where she would spend her childhood wandering the woods, forming strong bonds with her siblings, and creating idyllic memories. Three early events shaped her lifelong values: the death of her mother when she was 8, losing her family homestead during the depression, and the death of her brother, Bob, in Germany during WWII. Throughout her life, family came first, and she did everything she could to keep them close and together. 

 Joyce met her future husband, Christ Busche, as he got off the train in Harshaw when he returned home from 4 years in the service abroad. He was a handsome young man (brother of her friend); she was a beautiful, brown-eyed girl with dark hair and a sunny disposition. They married in 1946 and lived on the banks of Bear Skin Creek in Harshaw before moving to Duluth, where they created deep roots with neighbors and the community at St. Michael’s Church. In 1954 they bought their first and only house, a home which would become the gathering place for generations. There was nothing that made her happier than the arrival of one of her brood; whether that was for an unplanned breakfast in the back yard, a spontaneous visit by a grandchild after school, or a casual dinner for 20. She felt best when surrounded by the noise of children and conversation. 

 Joyce had a deep connection to nature. She loved to hike and always found a million things to point out along the way: a plant pushing through the earth, the sound of a bird, the arrival of a mushroom after rain, the potential bountifulness of this year’s blackberry crop. A naturalist by nature, she spent her lifetime passing on that love to others and was, along with Christ, one of the early volunteers for the Superior Hiking Trail. She cherished her time with Christ at the cabin in Harshaw that they created together.

 She leaves behind 8 children: Christine Austin, Darby Conner (Gary), Bob Busche (Ann), Todd Busche (K), Kathleen Busche (Frank Jewell), Keane Busche (Jane), Kevin Busche (Molly Bradford), Joycanne Busche Hoyem and 63 grandchildren. All of them gifted by her unconditional love, support, strong values, and the ability to take pleasure in small things. She was preceded in death by her husband Christ, and grandchildren Elizabeth Busche, Archer Eckman, Gabriel Busche, Evelyn Jewell-Busche, and Christopher Conner. 

Visitation with family at noon on Monday, January 13, 2025, at St Michaels church., 4901 E Superior St. followed by Mass and lunch. Joyce will be buried this summer in Harshaw, Wisc. Memorials should be directed to Lake Superior Hiking Trail or a garden club of your choice.