Gary Busscher

Gary Lee Busscher, age 76, of Jenison, went to be with the Lord  on Tuesday, February 24, 2026

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Diane Busscher; parents, Arthur and Johanna Busscher; parents-in-law, John and Adriana VanDyke; brother-in-law, Ronald VanDyke; sister-in-law, Laurie VanDyke; and nephew, Vincent Busscher. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Ranee (Gordon) Christian, Bradley (Michelle) Busscher, Brent (Cindy) Busscher, Doug (Shannon) Busscher; grandchildren, Abigail and Aaron Langerak, Katherine Christian, Jack Christian, Brianna Busscher, Ashten (Layke) Vinson, Alexander Busscher, Braeden Busscher, Morgan Busscher, Courtney Busscher, Ella Busscher, Korrine Busscher, Joelle (Jeremy) Timmer, and Nico Busscher; two great-grandchildren expected in the coming months; siblings, Arthur Busscher, Glen (Susan) Busscher, Paul Busscher, Warren (Diane) Busscher; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jan (Ron) Wiersum, Kevin (Bev) VanDyke, Nancee (Burk) Holzgen, Sue VanDyke; aunts, uncle, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Gary was a man who truly appreciated the simple joys of life. He loved spending time outdoors, tending to his garden and caring for his bees, proudly harvesting his own honey. Many of his happiest moments were spent sharing these passions with his family, or anyone else willing to listen. In their younger years,  he enjoyed camping and fishing with a full boat of grandchildren. Making homemade wine and producing maple syrup were other traditions that brought him both pride and pleasure. Gary’s yard was a jumbled collection of fruits and vegetables, bee keeping supplies, “vintage” equipment and vehicles, all arranged in a way that likely seemed haphazard to neighbors and passersby but was perfectly choreographed in his mind. Nothing was ever lost at his place, despite most areas being stacked full, side to side and top to bottom. Gary was uniquely gifted with his hands, which served him well throughout his career in the tool and die trade. He could masterfully produce, restore, or repair anything he set his mind to, or had been assigned him by Diane. Gary will be fondly remembered for his energetic and upbeat spirit, his connection to God’s incredible creation, and his unassuming acts of kindness. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church, 2101 Baldwin St., Jenison, with Rev. Norm Thomasma officiating. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 12, from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf. Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to any of the three Christian schools attended by his grandchildren: Grand Rapids Christian, Grandville Calvin Christian, or Unity Christian High School.