Laverle Lee Busenitz

Laverle Lee Busenitz was born June 16, 1948, to Gerhard A and Olga (Wiebe) Busenitz and passed away November 26, 2025, at the age of 77 years.

Laverle grew up on a farm outside of Newton, Kansas. He had five younger siblings, Arvin, Delora, Elroy, Merle, and Vera. His grade school started in a one room school one mile south of McLains, Kansas. A quote from his grade-school teacher that he remembered throughout life is “Attitude is the key to great accomplishments.” As a young boy, he attended an afterschool Bible club at Aunt Frieda’s home. There he accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. His Bible appreciation and education continued at Emmaus Mennonite Church where he was baptized and became a member. He attended junior high at Suncrest School. Family vacations in Colorado were favorite childhood memories. A highlight was fishing with his brothers in a stocked pond. He graduated from Berean Academy, Class of 1966.

He attended Grace Bible Institute for two years. For his voluntary service, he helped missionaries in Morocco and moved the printing press ministry to Malaga, Spain under Gospel Missionary Union. When he returned to Kansas, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from K-State in 1979. He was active in K-State Christian Fellowship during this time.

Laverle worked as a park ranger for a few years, then with several different fish farms. He operated Lee’s Fisheries in rural Harvey County. His fish farm specialized in hatching and selling catfish to stock ponds. He enjoyed taking care of the land, trees, and animals, as well as eating from the land. Laverle was married to Laura Egly from1986 to1989. They did not have children.

Garden Community Church outside of Hesston became his church home. He appreciated hearing accounts of missionary work around the world. He enjoyed gospel music programs at church and at home via CD. Later he attended a Bible study at Hickory Homes.

He consistently listened to many programs on Christian radio including Dr David Jeremiah, and David Barton. He valued Bible teaching and American history education as well as the application of the two in cultural involvement. He expressed his beliefs by writing letters to the editor in the Newton Kansan. For example, in the Newton Kansan on December 21,1995 he responded to an article promoting an evolutionary view. He stated, “I enjoy being outdoors and observing God’s creation.” After an explanation of how the unique characteristics of the woodpecker are an example of the Biblical account of creation, Laverle wrote, “So you see why I believe all of Genesis and the Bible and why I know human life is very important.”

In a paper he wrote about his life, he stated he lived by the following quote, “It doesn’t matter what you make, it matters what you can save that counts.” He displayed perseverance in living with a rare neurological disorder that impaired his walking and speech.

Laverle was diagnosed with cancer in September of 2024. After living another year in Hesston, he spent his last days at Paramount in Newton, KS.

Laverle was welcomed into heaven by His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 26, 2025. He is reunited in heaven with his parents and remembered here on earth by his siblings and their families.