Viola Buseman

Viola "Vi" Buseman, 92 of Marion died Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home, Viborg. Funeral services will be at 11:00am Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Calvary Reformed Church, Monroe with burial in the Monroe Reformed Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 5-7pm with a time of sharing at 7:00pm. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home.

Viola Fern Otten was born near Chancellor, SD to Gertrude (Wagner) and Elzo Otten April 29, 1933. She transitioned to her heavenly home on November 2, 2025, in Viborg, SD surrounded by her loving family.

She married Lloyd Buseman in the summer of 1954 at Central Baptist Church in downtown Sioux Falls. They raised their family on the Buseman home place near Monroe and moved into Marion in 1975. They were members of Spring Valley Baptist Church and later Calvary Reformed in Monroe, SD.

Viola and Lloyd attended church, community events and visited neighbors and relatives on Sunday afternoons. They attended school activities of the children and in later years looked forward to Saturday nights for food and fellowship with their friends.

They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2004. It was a wonderful yard party with family and their lifelong friends. Lloyd passed away in 2006 at home with Viola at his side.

When her youngest child started school, she spread her wings and entered the food service industry. All the holidays and seasons gave her a reason to be festive. She especially loved Christmas and entertaining.

She knew people everywhere she went and was known to celebrate her birthday for two full weeks. On some milestone birthdays, more than one hundred cards would arrive in her mailbox. She was especially grateful for life as a 1954 ovarian cancer survivor. Doctor Howard Shreves announced to his medical class that she was a miracle.

Vi was active in Women’s Guild at church and the area Christian Women’s organization. She was a Monroe Extension Club member for 51 years, receiving recognition at the state meeting. Turner County Fair 4-H presented a certificate to acknowledge her dedication and years of service. She always looked forward to the fair.

She participated in Red Hat conventions and programs that gave back to the community. As a Sis Club President, she arranged luncheons for women whose husbands had passed. Vi enjoyed coffee and dominoes with her friends.

Traveling to music shows in Branson rated high on the list of things to do. Gospel and country music were soothing to her soul. She saw many miles of America on guided bus tours and setting up for Fensels market shows. A travel highlight was when she and Lloyd went to Hawaii in celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary.

As an angel among us, Vi graciously served humanity her entire adult life. Over the years, she created and filled hand sewn personal care kits for those less fortunate and prepared dozens of gift boxes for children at Christmas. When she did things, it was often in a big way. One season she canned over 200 jars of salsa for gifting. She sent out more notecards than anyone we know. Vi loved shopping and could always help you find what you’re looking for.

Vi’s kitchen was amazing with delicious food and beautifully set tables. Her specialty potato salad was requested at events throughout the area so many times we can’t count them. Her long-time goal, The Buseman Best recipe book, was accomplished with Lloyd’s help and several dedicated family members. Her party planning went beyond food as she was innately decor inspired as well. She could prepare a reception for several hundred people with elegance.

In earlier times, the Annual Buseman Black Hills trip was a savored tradition for 25 years. We revisited that memory in 2018 celebrating Mom’s 85th Birthday at a resort with nearly all the family present. In recent years, she enjoyed sunshine in Arizona during winter months. Even there she encountered friends while dining and shopping.

Every day, our mother prayed for peace in the hearts of her loved ones and in the world. We are grateful and proud to call this caring person our mom and Grandma Vi. Left to cherish her memory are her six children, Doug (Darla) Buseman, Nancy (Dave)Olsen, Brenda (Mike) Andersen, Kerwin (Becky) Buseman, Debra (Randy) Smith, and Sharon (John) Egan: Grandchildren (13), Machelle (Steve) Henneberry, Eric (Kristi) Buseman, Levi (Angie) Olsen, Skye (Darcy) Olsen, John Andersen (Kate), Becca Andersen, Cole Buseman (Hailey), Kyle Buseman (Christina), Lacey (Mark) Branham, Jordan (Josh) Schmidt, Dan (Michelle) Smith, Tristen Frye and Alexa Frye: Great Grandchildren (27), Cody (Jenna), Hayden and Josh Henneberry, Kaleb Buseman (Hannah), Logan and Dylan Buseman, Bergen, Lucas, Marcus, Bennett and Alec Olsen, Max, Lilah and River Olsen, Tinzley and Mavrik Buseman, Ella, Chris and Mike Branham, Hailey Stahl (Dom) and Jerrilee Viola Schmidt, Brayden, Scarlett and Harley Smith, Tarrent Frye, Jasmine and Holly Gillick: and a Great Great Grandchild, Vincent Henneberry; sisters (2), Dorothy Buscarello, Denver, CO and Karen (Larry) Hofer, Sioux Falls; and brother in law, Duane Heeren, Sioux Falls; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lloyd in 2006, brother Eldon, sisters Doris and her husband LeRoy Fett and Verla Heeren, baby sister Mildred,  brother in law, Gary Lotz and a host of family and friends.   

Vi has been a supporter of The Banquet in Sioux Falls for many years. She would be honored with your gift to continue providing meals there. Website Thebanquetsf.org

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the care and support provided by the Pioneer Memorial of Viborg, Ascera Care Hospice, and the Calvary Women's Guild during this time.