ELVIN R. BUSJAHN

Elvin Robert Busjahn, age 92, of Brodhead, passed away on June 8, 2021, while at the William Middleton VA Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Elvin was born Nov. 4, 1928, in Lena, Illinois, the son of Herman and Florence (Shank) Busjahn.

He married the love of his life, Sara Ann Becker, on June 20, 1952. The bond between them was incredibly strong. They had many adventures together. They worked together and put in long hours so the farm and the family were successful. When they weren’t working, they knew how to have fun too. Camping, canoeing and mushroom hunting were a few of their favorites.

Elvin served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He worked for many years farming outside of Brodhead and later retired from the Brodhead Post Office as a postal carrier.

He was an active member of the garden club in Brodhead for several years. As an accomplished farmer, he was able to share some of his secrets with his fellow members. He especially enjoyed his apple trees and would help other people with theirs. He scared more than a few of us thinking that he had pruned off way too much, but it always came out OK.

Elvin was a member of the American Legion in Orfordville. He was always getting involved with Legion activities like the Chicken Barbeque, hosting Rudy’s Boys tug of war team and helping out with things like the paper drive to help the local Boy Scout troop raise funds so they could go to summer camp.

Elvin was an avid canoeist who was as enthusiastic about leisurely floating down a river and enjoying the afternoon as he was about sprinting toward the finish line in an all-out dash to win a race. His last race was when he was 90 years old. He and his son, Carl took second place at the Muscoda canoe race on the Wisconsin River 50 years after they took second place in the Brodhead Jaycees’ canoe race on the Sugar River, their first canoe race.

A great springtime passion for him was hunting morels — the “steak of the woods,” as he liked to call them. Always one to share, he wouldn’t hesitate to let another mushroom hunter know exactly where he had found his most recent harvest. Just ask him and he will tell you, “on the South side of a hill, under a dead tree.”

Elvin is survived by his wife, Sarah Ann Busjahn; two sons, Carl Busjahn and Melvin (Carol) Busjahn; five grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Elvin was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dan; and his brothers, Harold, Eugene, Marvin and Leonard.

Per Elvin’s wishes, he will be cremated and memorial services will be planned in the future.

There will be a celebration of life from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the American Legion. Please bring a funny or heartwarming story about Elvin so we can all enjoy some of his good times again.

The DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead is assisting the family; reach them at www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com or 608-897-2484.