Sterling Bussey Obituary

STERLING R. BUSSEY, 88 BELVIDERE - Sterling R. Bussey, 88, of Belvidere, passed away December 11, 2014, in Rockford. Born December 31, 1925, in Chicago; he was the son of Reinhard and Linnea (Larson) Bussey. He married Mary Reichardt on July 11, 1946, in Rockford. A U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII, he retired from Sundstrand after more than 30 years of employment. He was a member of the Forrest City Dog Training Club and the Svithiod Club of Rockford. Sterling enjoyed training dogs, painting, working on cars, and spending time with family. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary Bussey; children, B.J. Wallace, Gail Schumacher, and David Bussey; granddaughter, Kayla Schumacher; brother, Alan (Jan) Bussey. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Richard Bussey; sister, Arlene Hendrickson. Memorial service 2 p.m. Friday, December 19th, at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State Street, Rockford. Visitation one hour prior to service. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. Online condolences may be submitted at advantagerockford.com.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from Dec. 18 to Dec. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Sterling Bussey

13 Entries

Peggy Stegall

December 22, 2014

Sterling was the nice man that ever played bingo at the Ellida Club. We will miss him very much. From The Ellida club bingo workers.

Robyn Smith

December 20, 2014

Sterling was a great husband, father and grandfather and I'm sure is already greatly missed. I am sending prayers for peace and comfort for the family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Sterling.

Elizabeth Alex

December 19, 2014

Sterling, I will always remember you fondly from rally class. You were so sweet and kind. I loved how you were with your dog Hanna. Rest in peace

Theresa Radant

December 19, 2014

The kindest man ever! Thank you for all your guidance in obedience classes at FCD. Say hi to Mia in Heaven for me. My deepest sympathy to BJ and family.

December 19, 2014

Sterling was one of my first instructors at Forest City and per usual, I did NOT know what I was doing. He was SO patient and kind. I remember he drew foot patterns in chalk on the mats for me so I could get my feet right. That makes me smile to this day. I am so sorry for your loss Gail and B.J. I am sure he was proud that both of you continued in his footsteps with helping others have well behaved canine companions.

Renee Fulcer

December 19, 2014

As I competed at the AKC Classic this weekend, I thought of you often. With your guidance, I was able to reach that level of Competitive Obedience. I'll miss you always.

Renee Fulcer

December 19, 2014

While I was at the AKC Obedience Classic in Orlando this weekend, I thought of you often. With your guidance and teaching, I was able to reach that level of Competitive Obedience. I'll never forget you.

December 18, 2014

Sterling and I began training together around 1983 he was working with a dobe named Holly and I had our first schipperke Casey. We had intentions of showing our dogs competitively as soon as they and we were ready. The only problem was that during the stand for exam Holly would wet the floor, so we worked together to figure out how to help her become more self confident and overcome her fear of strangers touching her. Eventually through patience and having everyone reward her she eventually overcame her fears. Sterling was a great friend and training partner. Roger and I will both miss him deeply, and admire all that he accomplished at Forest City Dog Training Club. Our deepest sympathies to his wife and family.

Roger and Jackie Dawson (Rockford, IL)

December 18, 2014

Our deepest condolences on your loss of Sterling. May your memories and love give you strength at this time~

Colleen, Torin, Teegan, Taylor & Torrey

Stephanie Schneider

December 18, 2014

I cannot express how sorry I am about the passing of Sterling. I was in tears when I saw his obituary. How do I explain how great of a man he was. He helped me so much with dog training and made it so fun. He stood by my side and trained me to train others. I was his assistant for many years and then he was mine. I appreciate everything he has done for me and my dogs.
I am sure he is up in heaven teaching people how to train their dogs and yelling at them for not paying attention to what he is saying. He will be missed by more than he knows.

Jessica, Tony, and Alexander Perez

December 17, 2014

Our family was so saddened by the news of Sterling's passing. We will always remember him as an extremely kind, considerate man, an amazing animal lover and trainer, and the most wonderful, supportive grandfather to Kayla. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Jeff Branning

December 16, 2014

Sterling, You're the reason I continued in Competitive Obedience training with our dogs and went on to show. If it wasn't for your leadership I most likely would have stopped after the novice class. I recall watching you teaching on Saturday morning and was in awe of what you were able to do not only with Tina and Hana but helping the handlers who you had in the class you taught. You were a true inspiration to everyone who knew you! I will miss seeing your smiling face at club and the encouraging constructive criticism for those of us working to have the best dog possible. Rest in peace my friend!

Mary, BJ, Gail and family,

While you have lost a husband, father and an awesome role model, you will always have your memories to look back on. Sterling touched many people over the years and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Please accept our condolences and prayers during this most difficult time. You are all in our prayers!

Paul Prohaska

December 16, 2014

Sterling, you were my first teacher at FCDTC in 1990. I learned so much from you over the past 24 years. You were a dog person and born to be a trainer. The dog world lost a great instructor, and Heaven gained one. You'll have a lot of work training dogs in Heaven! Make sure they sit straight and have straight fronts. God Bless you, Sterling, and our prayers to all of your family.

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