Virgil L. Bussen

Oct 26, 1959 — Sep 8, 2026

Wallace, Kansas

Virgil Leon Bussen. Photo courtesy of Koons-Russell Funeral Home

Virgil Leon Bussen was born the youngest of five children on October 26, 1959, to Nicholas and Dorothy (Remus) Bussen in Goodland, Kansas. His siblings included Philip, Theodore (Ted), Gilbert (Gil), and Marilyn. Virgil passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune.

Virgil attended Wallace County High School and graduated from Northwest Technical College for farm and diesel mechanics. He was a farmer his whole life, exuding a deep love for his land both as a passion and as a career.

Virgil later met his wife, Roxane “Roxy” Schreibvogel, and they married on September 19, 1992 in Garden City, Kansas. One year later, their son, Brett Nicholas Bussen, was born September 22, 1993. Virgil and his family faithfully attended Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs, Kansas.

The true delight of his life was family and farming. He had a deep love for his land, reading the weather to make sure his crops were successful and his family provided for. He was a faithful husband to Roxy, and they were married for 33 years.

He was an incredible father to Brett and uncle to many nieces and nephews, whom he loved as his own children. Virgil loved his daughter-in-law, Therese, as a true daughter and had deep love for her friends and family in addition to his own.

Virgil’s light of his life was his granddaughter, Charlotte. He enjoyed taking her on the tractor with him whenever she visited, and made sure to attend her every dance recital. He was lovingly nicknamed “KooKoo,” because when she was little, he’d knock on his head like a cuckoo bird every time he saw her, and the name stuck.

Virgil’s life was one of generous service. He served on countless councils and committees, including Wallace City Council, Holy Ghost Parish Council, the local USDA board. He contributed to several other organizations and groups in land and wildlife conservation, Catholic foundations, and charities.

Virgil’s Catholic faith was just as much a part of his identity as was his vocation as a farmer and family man. He traveled to several different holy sites like the Holy Land and the Miraculous Medal Shrine in France. He wore a Miraculous Medal or crucifix daily and prayed often.

His goodness and kindness was known to everyone who knew him, and he was deeply loved. He was always there for those who were in need of help, especially in his family. His blue eyes, his warm laugh, his loving presence, and his deep heart, will be missed by all.

Virgil, who passed at 66, is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brother, Philip. He is survived by his three remaining siblings, Ted, Gil, and Marilyn. He is also survived by his wife, Roxy, as well as his son and daughter-in-law, Brett and Therese, and his granddaughter, Charlotte, who live in Denver, Colorado.

After a beautiful life lived out generously for the good and love of others, Virgil now rests in heaven with the communion of saints.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or 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.