Just over a month shy of 99 years old, John Louis Busch, died peacefully while surrounded by his family on April 27th, 2021 at the Veterans Nursing Home.
John was born on June 22, 1922 in Ashley, PA, one of ten children and the last to pass away. He spent his childhood growing up on Green Street, where he was always getting into trouble. He loved to play the accordion with his father. He loved baseball and could have played professionally. He also loved the game of golf and even had two holes in one.
John enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 16, lying about his age to serve his country. He was a member of the “Eighth Air Force” as well as an honored member of the “Lucky Bastard Club,” a group of Air Force flyers who flew in the war and returned no fewer than thirty times while bearing explosives.
John married his love, Lois Lorraine, in 1945 and they later had four children. John was the epitome of a true survivor. Not only did he survive two plane crashes while serving in World War II, he also survived a heart attack, a quadruple bypass, prostate cancer, melanoma more than once, and even Covid last year. He also survived a lonely heart, having been widowed from Lois for the last 35 years.
John is survived by his four children, John (Beverly) Busch, Mike Busch, Audrey (Mike) Grobstein, and Jay (Debbie) Busch as well as 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Lois, his grandson Andy, and his nine siblings.
We would like to thank the staff at the Salt Lake Veterans Home where John spent the last few years of his life, especially his favorite caregivers, Alissa, Jodi, and Kori.
A graveside service will be held at the Salt Lake City Cemetery for family on Saturday, May 1st, followed by a celebration of life at his grandson’s home in South Jordan, Utah. For those who wish to express condolences, please visit www.neilodonnellfuneralhome.com
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- Air Force
Veteran
- World War II
Laura Hannant Winegar
For the memories that I do have grandpa, you always mesmerized me and made me laugh. I wished to have had more time to have been spent to hear stories of a highly wise and honest intelligent man. Grandpa please forgive me,as your sons firstborn my dad didn’t find it necessary to let me know you had passed. Or as the people who are in my life, and love me would have known they know I wanted to be there the day the “Legend “ passes
I truly love you ,now rest with grandma—Thank you, JJ
My grandfather Bob Edvik was in the VA nursing home with him, I remember seeing John from time to time while I would visit. I never met nor spoke with him, but for some reason I felt inclined to share this. Reading his story he sounds remarkable and am a little sad that I didn't get the chance to visit with him. I imagine he would have some amazing stories. I hope those stories help you in your healing.