Kevin Bussing

Kevin Eugene Bussing, 71, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away on December 8, 2024. Kevin was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on April 3, 1953, to Eugene and Loretta (Bolt) Bussing. He graduated from Hackett High School and continued on to receive Associate degrees from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Electronics and Chippewa Valley Technical College in Marketing and Digital Marketing, and a Certificate in Culinary Arts.
Kevin served in the U.S. Army for 24 years, retiring in 2008, as Sergeant First Class, specializing and training others in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Stationed in Germany, Kevin was deployed four times to conflicts in Middle Eastern countries, including Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo. The U.S. Army recognized Kevin for his honorable service with many medals, including Meritorious Service, Joint Service Commendation, Army Commendation (4), Army Achievement (4), Army Superior Unit, Army Good Conduct (7), National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Kosovo Campaign, Armed Forces Service, NATO Medal (3), Multinational Force and Observers (2), Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and two bronze service stars.
Kevin was accomplished on the guitar, and he loved playing and always learning. He also enjoyed cooking and baking, flying his drone, camping, traveling, making wine and beer, playing with his dog, Margo, volunteering, and spending time at their cabin.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Kay (nee Kruschke; aka Kay Hestekin) of Eau Claire; daughter Jessica of Koln, Germany; step-daughter Sarah (Richard) (nee Hestekin) Thearin of Hayward, WI; brothers Stephen Bussing of Gobles, MI, Michael Bussing (Laurie Gabany) of Portage, MI, and Christopher Bussing of Atlanta, GA; sisters Debra Bussing of South Haven, MI, Angela Bussing (Tom Calandra) of Madison, SD, Kathleen Bussing of Kalamazoo, MI, Genevra Bussing of Portage, MI, and Renee Harmon of Spokane, WA; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family and friends. Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Loretta Bussing, and a brother, Andrew.
The family of Kevin Bussing wishes to thank Fairview Hospital and American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Minneapolis, MN, and Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and Hospice Services, Eau Claire.
A private graveside service to honor and celebrate Kevin's life will be held in the Spring of 2025 in Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kevin's memory to the Eau Claire Children's Theatre.
Cremation Society of Altoona, Wisconsin is assisting the family along with Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Celebrate Kevin's life online by sharing your favorite photos or stories on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.