Louis Albert Buescher

Louis Buescher, 72, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away from heart complications on June 12, 2024. Born in 1951 to Ernest and Blanche Buescher, Louis lived a life marked by dedication, passion, and love.

In 1975, Louis graduated from Colorado State University. He returned to Grand Junction to work at his family-owned Pepsi Cola production facility at 315 N. Spruce Street. Renowned for his charm and social skills, Louis famously traveled across the western slope and parts of Utah, repairing soda machines and persuading businesses to switch from Coca-Cola to Pepsi. His efforts contributed significantly to the business achieving one of the highest per capita soft drink consumption rates in the nation.

Louis had a profound passion for muscle cars and cherished working on projects with his longtime friend, Larry Beightel. Together, they raced at the Western Colorado Dragway, where Louis would take his yellow Mach 1 Mustang down the track.

At the age of 26, Louis married his first wife, Beth Buescher, and they had five children together. In 1982, the Buescher family transitioned from the Pepsi bottling business to acquire the assets of Monarch Aviation at Walker Field Airport, renaming it West Star Aviation. Beginning with 35 employees, West Star Aviation grew into a nationally recognized business, eventually employing 330 people by the time it was sold in December 2004. Louis was known for his dedication to his employees, treating them like family and going above and beyond to make them feel valued.

Louis's generosity and wisdom extended beyond his family, as many of his sons’ friends and loved ones considered him a father figure. In 2009, Louis was diagnosed with colon cancer. He bravely underwent chemotherapy and eventually went into remission, continuing to be active and selflessly helping others with various tasks and favors.

In 2015, Louis married Leonie Buescher. Together, they explored many adventures, outdoor activities and vacations. They frequently hosted parties where Louis dazzled guests with his exceptional cooking, especially his steaks.

He was a longtime member of Bookcliff Country Club and lived along the golf course for many decades.

Louis was passionate about higher education, serving as a board member for the Colorado Mesa University Foundation and as chair & member of the Investment Committee from 2012 -2018, sharing his expertise in investing and asset management. Additionally, Louis and the Buescher family have supported students for many years by providing scholarships. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to Colorado Mesa University, reflecting Louis’s enduring dedication to educational advancement.

https://engage.supportingcmu.org/Louis-Buescher

Louis is survived by his wife, Leonie Buescher, and his children, Ben, Brett, and Jon Buescher. He was preceded in death by his children, Heather and Kristopher, along with his brother, Thomas D. Buescher.

The Buescher family invites Louis's vast network of friends, family, and familiar faces to join in celebrating his life on Saturday, June 22nd.

9:00 am to 11:00 am open casket viewing at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. 12:00 pm Funeral Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Following the service there will be a burial at Orchard Mesa Cemetery. 6:00 Celebration of life at the Lion’s Den: 2791 Skyline Court.

He will always be with his close family and friends, just at a different altitude now, watching over us.