Charles Edward Busch III

Generous and hardworking, Charles Edward Busch III lived life with an undauntable commitment to being of service to others. Fueled by a heart of gold, Charles actively searched for ways to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Charles was revered by many and will long be held in the hearts of those who were blessed to share in his life.

1944 marked a time when all American lives were directly impacted by the war effort in Europe. While countless young people actively served in the trenches of WWII, those who remained stateside poured their energies into supporting the war effort in any way they could. As Americans welcomed the end of meat rationing and began planting Victory Gardens, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill and soon became the only U.S. president to be elected to a fourth term. As the nation looked toward peace, Edward E. and Sally (Hollar) Busch Jr. celebrated their own hopes for the future as they welcomed their son Charles into their hearts and home on November 8th in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

Growing up the son of a dentist serving in the US Army, Chuck and his four siblings, Suzie, David, Marydale, and Carol knew a childhood that included an unwavering patriotism, many moves, and the comforts of family. Despite the frequent moves, Chuck gained a love for deer hunting and the game of football.

After graduating from high school in 1962, Chuck attended college for a time. Soon, he decided to join the US Air Force. For the next three years, Chuck proudly served his country. Though he married for a time, the couple had a daughter Melissa. The marriage ended in divorce.

After his time in the service, Chuck took a job with The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. In time, Chuck made his way to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he started his own property preservation company. Chuck owned and ran this company for many years until poor health forced him to retire.

Chuck was a meat and potatoes man. He treasured the simple things in life, like a good pizza and time with those he loved. While he enjoyed watching Fox News every day, his heart’s delight was being with his wife, Susan White and the family they lovingly built together. When the happy couple married in 2002, Chuck was blessed to welcome Susan’s two children, Toby, Casie,

With great pride and generosity, Chuck’s dedicated his life to his family. He relished in being able to support each of his children in all of their endeavors and was willing to give them just about anything. Chuck always had a supportive ear and a car to loan. Chuck loved being with his family more than anything and being with his beloved grandchildren. Tayler, Tara, Essie, Toby, Alex, Andrew, and Isabelle were truly Chuck’s greatest joy. In their eyes, he could easily see the spark of his legacy as well as his greatest hopes for the future. Any time spent with his grandchildren was a treasure for Chuck. Even with the many health issues Chuck faced in the past several years, he always found a way to embrace his family and friends with love and kindness.

Certainly, Chuck’s sudden departure leaves us stunned and saddened. May we find comfort in our many sweet memories of the lovely man we had the privilege of knowing. With each kindness we extend another, we keep Chuck’s legacy of generosity alive where it will continue to inspire others to open their hearts as well.

Charles Edward Busch III, aged 73 of Grand Rapids, passed away at his home on Monday, November 20, 2017. He was preceded in death by his sister, Suzie Sherriff. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Susan R. White; his children, Melissa (James) Thomas, Toby (Robin) Rustin, Casie Rustin; his grandchildren, Tayler (Daniel) Long, Tara, Essie and Toby II Rustin, Alex Rustin, Andrew and Isabelle Thomas; his brother and sisters, David (Peggy) Busch, Marydale (Kevin) Casey, Carol (John) Madden; his brother-in-law, Skip Sherriff; many nieces, nephews and friends.A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, November 24, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Home 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with a military tribute at 6:30 pm. Contributions in his memory may be made to Orchard Hill Church. To read more about Chuck’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.