Louis J. Bussjaeger

Louis was born January 14, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of three sons born to Louis Habert and Alice Ruth Bussjaeger. During his early years, Louis spent time in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, St. Joseph, Missouri and Mission, Kansas. He graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1959.

Louis began his college career at Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) in 1959. After his first year of college he took six months leave to serve active duty in the Army Reserve. He returned to Emporia State in January 1961 and earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in biology there. While attending ESU, he met the love of his life, Carolee Emley. They were married January 18, 1964, after which they moved to Norman, Oklahoma where Louis earned a Ph. D. degree in animal behavior and physiology. Louis and Carolee were blessed with two children, Christopher David and Catherine Diane, one granddaughter Jasmine Denise Mosley and grandson Christopher Dante Mosley. Granddaughter Jada Catherine Mosley died shortly after birth.

Louis earned his livelihood as a scientist, working in teaching and research. He received many honors and awards in both areas. At heart, Louis was first and foremost a naturalist. He loved the out-of-doors and volunteered many hours on a variety of projects. His environmental activities began with his Boy Scout training. Later, in Oklahoma, he was an active member of the Sierra Club and fought to save Oklahoma's last free-flowing stream, the Glover River. His river experiences lead him to nearly two decades of white water canoeing and advocating for free-flow streams.

During his years in Wichita, Kansas, Louis was active in the Wichita Audubon Society, serving on its board of directors and as president. He was a guiding force in the development of the Chaplin Nature Center (owned by the Wichita Audubon Society) along the Arkansas River near Arkansas City. In 1978 and 1979 he was able to obtain funding for Youth Conservation camps. With the aid of the teenagers in those camps, he laid out the design for nature trails and began development of educational signs. When Louis left Wichita in 1984, the Wichita Audubon Society was ready to hire its first full time naturalist for the nature center.

Upon moving to Liberty, Missouri in 1987, Louis immediately became involved with the Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. He served on the sanctuary board of directors and was board treasurer for some 16 years. In addition, he devoted many hours volunteering around the sanctuary, working on maintenance, assisting with Fairy Tale Forest, Santa's Helper's and other sanctuary activities.

For the past 30 years, soccer has been an abiding interest for Louis. He has been involved with the development of the Western Missouri Soccer League, working on field maintenance, coaching teams and refereeing soccer games. One of his proudest achievements was to get enough girls soccer teams established in Liberty so that in 1990 Girls Soccer was added as a varsity sport for Liberty High School-giving daughter Cathy the opportunity to play soccer in high school. He leaves a soccer legacy for many young women in the Liberty area.

Louis loved competition. Always a physical fitness advocate, he participated in many road races, several marathons and at least one triathlon. He was an avid reader and an outstanding bridge player. Other interests included bird watching, participating in bird counts, hiking, camping, canoeing and other out of door activities.

Louis lived his faith. He was an active member of St. James Catholic Church in Liberty where he served as Eucharistic minister, helped with fund raising and volunteered to help with the upkeep of the prayer garden. In addition, upon retirement, he volunteered and worked in the warehouse for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist in Independence. Louis enjoyed helping others - whatever the need, he was ready to lend a helping hand.

Louis was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in January 2004. Like other life events, he embraced this challenge and immediately became involved as an Alzheimer's Advocate. He visited legislators to promote passage of needed legislation; he talked with various groups about what it is like to have Alzheimer's disease and the importance of getting an early diagnosis as well as raising funds to combat the disease. He was a "poster boy" for Alzheimer's disease in an awareness- raising campaign.

Alzheimer's disease forced Louis to retire in 2005. In 2007, he and Carolee sold their home and moved to Our Lady Of Mercy Country Home. There he continued to volunteer, helping where ever he was able. He joked that his mind may be going, but his back was strong and he could help with any lifting that needed to be done. Since November 2009, he has resided in the Special Care unit at Daviess County Nursing and Rehabilitation. We are grateful for the loving care and compassion provided to Louis during his final years there.

Louis is preceded in death by his parents, his brother David Bussjaeger and granddaughter Jada Mosley. He leaves behind his wife Carolee; son Christopher, daughter Catherine, granddaughter Jasmine, and grandson Dante. He is also survived by his brother Stephen Bussjaeger, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He leaves many friends bother here and abroad. His jovial spirit and helpful attitude will be missed by many.