Howard Busch, born on April 4, 1923, in Underwood, North Dakota, to his parents Charles and Mimi Busch, left this world on September 27th, 2023.  Military services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, rural Mandan, ND with military honors provided by the U.S. Marine Corps.  Fellowship and lunch will follow at the Hillside Park Aquatic Complex at 1719 East Boulevard Avenue in Bismarck.

Howard's journey began in the heart of North Dakota, where he spent his early years on the family farm near Underwood. Howard attended school in Underwood, graduating in 1941. He loved sports, participating in basketball, football, and track. He was a proud member of Comet basketball ball teams which placed 3rd in state tournaments in 1940 and 1941. He was honored to be named all-state forward. He continued playing basketball and football at Minot State Teachers College up until WWII.

During World War II, Howard answered the call of duty and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps.  On December 29, 1952, he embarked on a lifelong journey of love and companionship when he married the love of his life, Virginia "Pat" Cuskelly.  For a time following the war, Howard was employed by the Peter Kiewit Company, where he used his mechanical talents to contribute to the construction of the Garrison Dam.

However, Howard's true passion lay in farming, and he eventually returned to his roots to become a lifelong farmer. He cultivated the land with the same dedication and care that he applied to everything he did in life.

One of Howard's greatest joys was his love for horses and the simple pleasure of trail riding, especially in the rugged terrain of North Dakota's badlands. The bond he shared with his horses and the serenity of the open trail brought him immense happiness throughout his life.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Pat and family, including his children and their spouses: Kendal Busch (Joanne), Nancy Fischer (Gary), Cindy Busch, Damon Busch (Connie), as well as his cherished grandchildren: Melanie Schlafmann (Brook), Matthew Fischer (Kimberly), Tiffany Kinn (Tyler), Alissa Chamberlain (Chris), Sarah Schieve (Zac), Rachel Brouwer (James), Ashley Busch, and Jordan Busch. He was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren, Averie, Gage and Cambree Schlafmann, Belle, Mckenzie, and Jameson Fischer, Sidney Fischer, Chase and Summer Kinn, Jack and Evelyn Chamberlain, Stetson, and Hayden Schieve, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mimi Busch; his brother, Orrin Busch (Dolores); his sister, Ruth Mingo (Russ) and his infant son, Gregory.

Rest in peace, Howard. You will be dearly missed, but your memory will live on eternally.