Joseph Floyd "Joe" Busta

Joseph "Joe" Busta, age 59, passed away in his home on September 18, 2023 in Waterloo, Iowa.
On July 17, 1964 Joe was born in Decorah, Iowa to Joe and Elsie (Schutte) Busta. He grew up in Cresco and attended Notre Dame elementary school. Subsequently, he transferred to Crestwood High School where he graduated in 1982. To further his education, Joe then attended Northeast Iowa Community College for Carpentry. In 1983, Joe was a passenger in a severe car accident which left him as a quadriplegic. After years of medical care from Mayo Clinic and subsequent rehab, Joe continued his education at the University of Iowa where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in History. As a result, Joe was offered and accepted a position with the Principal Financial group where his career expanded for the next 19 years.
Upon retirement Joe spent several years practicing photography, hunting with his dad and cousin Jamie, fishing, and continuing his patriotic love of studying the military and all the war efforts and sacrifice the great men and women of the United States put forward in the name of freedom. Other interests Joe pursued included sky diving, attending several air shows, and speaking with World War II pilots which included both American and German aviators.
While Joe had many accomplishments, his biggest achievement of all was his determination to make the best of his mortal life and turn challenges into winning triumphs. As a final contribution to the community and celebration of life, Joe was an organ donor. His no excuse attitude enabled him to do the impossible. For those who read this, the family asks that his life be commemorated with great applause. Well done Joe!
Joe's memory will live on forever more through his parents Joe and Elsie Busta, sister JoAnn (Brian) Saathoff, niece and nephew Carrington and Gregory Saathoff, great nephew and niece Rylan and Gracelyn Saathoff, and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco, Iowa. Rosary will be held at 8:45 a.m. and visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. The funeral procession from Notre Dame Catholic Church to the Fort Atkinson St. John's Cemetery will begin at 1:15 p.m.