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David Bushman Obituary
CHAMPAIGN – David F. Bushman, 62, of Champaign died on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
He was born on Aug. 2, 1945, in Toledo, Ohio, to Franklin Frederick and Ruth Howell Bushman.
He received his B.S. degree from Whitewater State University, Whitewater, Wis., in 1967, his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1968, his M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1969 and began teaching at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in August of 1969. An Associate Professor, he taught painting and drawing in the School of Art and Design until his retirement on December 31, 2004.
After his retirement, Prof. Bushman continued to paint, draw and make prints. He loved to fish and his experiences in the lakes and streams of Wisconsin informed many of his landscapes and still lifes. He read extensively in history and philosophy. Events and ideas were also often references for his work. He received many awards for his art work, which is in many public and private collections throughout the country. He was a musician who sang, played the guitar, trombone, piano, washtub bass and the jug. He loved classical music and bluegrass.
He is survived by his wife, Marguerite N. Bushman ("Peggy") of Champaign; his brother, Larry and sister-in-law, Carolyn Bushman of Green Lake, Wis.; niece, Maggie Bushman of Milwaukee, Wis.; nephew, Brett Bushman; and grand-nephew, McKenzie Michael Bushman.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater, Wis. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.
A celebration of his life will be held later in Champaign. Specific date and location will be posted later.
Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.
Memories and Condolences
for David Bushman
Francis Mahan
March 28, 2011
I played in a Jug Band with David at Whitewater. Very sorry to hear of his passing. We didn't stay in touch over the years but going through photos etc recently thought I'd check up. Very good memories.
Tom Brigham
July 29, 2008
Bushman Family: I just heard of David's passing and was shocked. How he used to terrorize his brother, Larry, and me as we played up in the "barn." It was fun to run across him traversing the UW-Madison campus. I'm so sorry to hear the bad news.
Marianne Hartman Tichenor
July 29, 2008
Dear Peggy and Dave's family,
We've been thinking of you. I remember Dave from when I was young. He used to be a trombone player, like me. He once brought me a red licorice rope because he knew I liked them. I'll miss him.
Janice Bushman-Porth
July 14, 2008
Peggy and Larry,
Cousin David's wonderful artistic abilities, strong compassion for others, and hearty laugh and sense of humor will live in my memories.
May you be strengthened by the love of family and friends during this difficult time.
Nancy Bussell
July 13, 2008
Peggy, I have learned so much from David and will always remember him when I paint. I just wanted to let you know we're thinking about you and your doggies and mourning the loss of our friend. Lots of love from Nancy and Eric B.
Greg, Melissa, Aidan, and Ava Kneller
July 13, 2008
There was once an 8 foot high hedge in between our homes--now there is place where the hollyhocks don't grow, where my children have stood for 6 years to tease or be teased, to get candy from "Mr. Bushum" (my daughter's early pronunciation), to discuss whatever was in the air, and to simply share a bit of life between generations. I wish I could see David through my daughter's eyes (honey-bear is what he called her)--I think he was a something to behold. It's a comfort to think that my children, in their later lives, will tell of their childhood neighbor and friend.
We'll miss you David--be at peace
Barb Bushman
July 12, 2008
Peggy and Larry,
I am sorry I can't be with you. One of my earliest memories is of visiting the house in Whitewater that had a barn. I thought that was so neat.
I am hoping my dad and brother, Uncle Bill and Uncle Frank are talking fishing, woodworking and cars, with Aunt Ruth and Aunt Bea listening and laughing.
Thinking of you with love.
John Katsinas
July 11, 2008
Peggy, I am very sorry for your loss. I remember asking David constantly for art to be donated for charity auctions. He came through every time! Bush gave my entire family prints of my father Lex after he passed away. We were very appreciative and honor Dave's memory.
Richard Moses
July 11, 2008
Peg: I deeply miss my dear buddy of over 40 years. We shared a great many wonderful experiences together including teaching, art, and a host of social interactions. David was truly one of a kind. I'll write you soon in some detail with some pics of shared memories. God bless. Thanks for your call. R.H.
Dave Downey
July 11, 2008
Peggy,
Jane joins me in expressing our sorrow at your loss.
Carol Welch
July 10, 2008
Peggy,
I was so sorry to read about David.It has always been a pleasure serving you at the bank. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jean Gothard
July 10, 2008
Indeed, a splendid person! I have fond memories of "Bushman" when I was 'stationed' at the Art & Design Building, room 310, 1993 & 1994. David will be missed, and Peggy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Bette Randa
July 10, 2008
I am happy to have known David for the short time I did. He inspired and influenced me with his art and his music and his devotion to them. I was in one of his first classes at U of I and maybe the first student kicked out of one of his classes. But for all his toughness his gentle soul always shone thru. He will always hold a warm place in my heart and my memories.
Bob/Linda Ogle
July 9, 2008
Peggy - I hope that you can find some comfort in your many special memories and in the thought of the happy years you shared.
Your neighbors,
Diana (Gordon) & Ronnie Clow
July 9, 2008
Dear Peggy & Bushman Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy. May the love of family and friends help you thru this sorrowful time. We will all cherish the fun times and many great memories with Dave.
Sincerely
June Burch
July 9, 2008
May we all find comfort in knowing that David will live on in the work that he left behind.
Mitch Brown
July 9, 2008
Dave Bushman was a great pal and a wonderful talent. I will always remember Dave as a major figure in those great and glorious 1970s in Champaign-Urbana. Those sparkling years would simply have not been the same without David Bushman's presence. I'll never forget Dave, his huge talent, irrepressible humor and great personal warmth. Dave, I miss you.
Phyllis Kirkwood
July 9, 2008
Dear Peggy and the Bushman family, I was really saddened to see that Dave had passed away. He was a great artist and a fun guy, he will be missed. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Phyllis
Suzanne Carter-McCabe
July 9, 2008
May God's strength be with family and friends during this difficult time. His eternal blessings to Dave.
Steve Flynn
July 9, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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