Stephen Edward Busch, age 58, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at McLaren Bay Region Hospital in West Branch. He was born on April 3, 1964, in Rockford, Michigan to Edward and Claire (McNamara) Busch.
Steve grew up in Mt. Pleasant and Charlotte and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1982. After high school, Steve worked as a doodlebugger for Bendix & Hoskings Geophysical. His love for the outdoors drew him to make his home up north in the greater Houghton Lake area.
He began working as a handyman and then started working concurrently at Sandy Oak RV Resort and UPS. Also owned and operated Buschwacker’s Live Bait until his delivery van was stolen from the UPS parking lot!
After his 30 years of service at UPS, he entered retirement in 2019. Retirement freed up time for Steve to be the avid outdoorsman which included hunting, fishing, gathering, and preserving the gifts from mother nature.
Steve also had more time to be the caring, loving, and giving person he was and always putting others first. He had a deep and caring heart; his friends and family were paramount to him. He was a confidant for many, his words of wisdom and philosophical approach to life’s situations provided a sense of calm and resolve for many. Steve loved deeply and was deeply loved.
Steve is survived by his best friend, caregiver, and angel Kelly Kingen of West Branch; sisters Lisa Busch and Jennifer (David) Busch-Dixner; sister-in-law Donna Busch; four-legged faithful friend Hal; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and lifelong friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Brad, and Lab dogs Ace, Gus, Katie, Mac, and Ike.
Visitation will be on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. The service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, October 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Steve’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the David Caffrey Fund, a charitable organization which was founded by UPS West Branch Center team and is dedicated to helping those in need in the Arenac, Iosco, and Ogemaw Counties.
Online condolences may be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen, please visit our floral store.
