Dorothy A. Bussen

Oct 23, 1924 — Jul 20, 2026

Wallace, Kansas

Dorothy Alice Bussen. Photo courtesy of Koons-Russell Funeral Home

Dorothy Alice Bussen was born on October 23, 1924, at her home south of Glen Elder, Kansas to Gustaf and Ida (Moyer) Remus. She passed peacefully on July 20, 2026, at Hope Springs Care Center in Sharon Springs, Kansas, surrounded by her family at the age of 101.

Dorothy attended High Prairie Country School, making the 1 ¾ mile journey each day on foot or horseback. She graduated from Glen Elder High School and then spent several months working at a Cessna aircraft plant to aid in the war effort.

At sixteen, Dorothy was cooking for a harvest crew when she met Nick, one of the hired hands. On February 17, 1944, Dorothy married Nicholas “Nick” Bussen at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wallace, Kansas. They were blessed with their five children: Philip, Theodore, Gilbert, Marilyn, and Virgil. Dorothy and Nick lived in Wallace and farmed for a living. Dorothy enjoyed helping out on the farm any way she could. All of her life, she kept her interest in farming and enjoyed drives in the country to look at the crops. She was a homemaker and devoted her whole life to caring for her family. Dorothy loved to have her grandchildren come to visit and they brought lots of joy to her life. She made sure they were well fed with her special freshly baked homemade rolls.

Traveling brought Dorothy great enjoyment throughout her life. Dorothy and Nick often took family vacations during their marriage, many to Idaho visiting Nick’s sister, Leona and her family. After Nick’s death in 1974, Dorothy embraced the opportunity to continue traveling and went on numerous bus trips overseas and in the states. She also enjoyed going on trips and to concerts with family members and her “traveling friends” the Schultes. Her extensive adventures took her to 48 states and 17 countries, including her favorite destination, Rome.

Dorothy was a very social person and enjoyed visiting her family, friends, and neighbors. She was a faithful friend to many and deeply valued those friendships. She also had a knack for striking up conversations with complete strangers.

Dorothy was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and Altar Society. She later attended Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs, Kansas. She was also a lifelong member of the Busy Bee Club in Wallace.

Dorothy was proceeded in death by her husband Nick and her son Philip. She is survived by her sons: Theodore “Ted”, Gilbert (Barb), and Virgil (Roxane) Bussen, all of Wallace and her daughter, Marilyn (Kent) Lorens of Stratton, Nebraska. Dorothy is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

After a century filled with family, faith, and adventure, she is now reunited with Nick.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.