Frank J. Buss

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Frank J. Buss, 92, longtime resident of Caroline, passed away at home with his family on Dec. 12, 2020 as a result of complications following surgery to repair a hip fracture.

Frank was born in Caroline on Dec. 26, 1927, the son of Carolyn (Hartel) Buss and Frank Buss Sr. He attended grade school in Caroline and high school in Marion. He was active in band, debate, football, and school drama productions. He graduated as 1945 class salutatorian. He was an honors graduate of the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture, earning a bachelor’s degree in dairy industry.

Frank was proud of his service in the U.S. Marines where he was sent to support naval operations in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. After college and military service, Frank returned to Caroline and work at the cheese factory founded by his father. He was joined by two cousins, Marshall and Stanley Buss, when they returned from college. He was the president of F. R. Buss and Co. from the time his father retired in the early 50s until it closed in 1988.

He was dedicated and passionate about his work to a fault and was rewarded when the company won the national cheddar championship twice in the early 60s. After F.R. Buss and Co. ceased operations in 1988, he worked for Graf Creamery in Zachow until retirement.

Throughout his life, Frank was active in numerous professional and civic organizations. He was a member of the Marion School Board, served on the board of directors of the Wisconsin State Cheesemakers Association, and worked on the building committee at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marion. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Caroline and the Town of Grant Volunteer Fire Department.

He served on the Shawano County Zoning Board of Adjustment for many years. He was instrumental in forming the Caroline Sanitary District and worked as its operator for many years before and after retirement.

On Aug. 14, 1954, he married Joyce Jacobson in Manawa. Frank and Joyce were married for 66 years and had two children.

Frank was a lifelong Packer fan and attended the legendary Ice Bowl championship game in 1967. From childhood, he was an avid reader and had a great interest in current events and sports. To the end of his life, he read more than a half a dozen newspapers and magazines in print and on the internet every week.

Frank lived a long and fulfilling life. By any objective measure, Frank was a very lucky person, but the defining moment of his life did not come in a moment of good fortune. The demise of the family business in 1988 after 76 years was a great personal disappointment, but that concern was matched by his working tirelessly to ensure that his employees and patrons received the compensation they were due.

Frank is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Kathy (Larry) Plaster; his son, Steve (Jan Liebhart); his grandson, Bryan Plaster; and his granddaughter, Melissa Plaster.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing public is scheduled at this time.

Beil-Didier Funeral Home in Marion, is assisting with the arrangements. Go to www.beil-didier.com to sign the online guestbook or to send a card to the family.

Frank’s family would like to thank the personnel of ThedaCare at Home Hospice for helping to allow Frank to spend his last days with his family at home. Special thanks go to Sue Clauson and Larry and Bev Gruetzmacher for their care and concern for Frank.

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