Stanley William Busch

Stanley William Busch, born April 28, 1930, in Warren, Ohio, to John Henry Busch and Clara Klabbatz Busch, passed away on October 11, 2026, at the age of 96. His life was marked by faith, family, service, craftsmanship, and a spirit of adventure.

Stan graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1948 and was employed by Packard Electric, a division of General Motors. On July 5, 1952, he married Frances Starr, beginning a marriage that spanned 73 years. After graduating from Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, in 1962, Stan and Fran moved to Michigan with their two children.

For the next 23 years, Stan taught physics and electronics at Delton Kellogg High School, sharing his knowledge and practical problem-solving skills with generations of students. Upon retiring in 1985, he and Fran moved to Murphy, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. There, Stan built a beautiful home and barn, putting his considerable skills and love of woodworking to use. In 2015, they returned to Michigan to be closer to family.

Stan and Fran shared a love of travel, visiting all 50 states and many countries around the world. England held a special place in Stan’s heart, largely because of the close friendships they developed there over the years.

Woodworking was one of Stan’s favorite pastimes. He handcrafted many beautiful and useful items for his home and for others. Perhaps one of his most treasured creations was a beautiful oak cradle in which each of his five grandchildren slept as infants—a lasting reminder of the care and craftsmanship he put into everything he made.

For more than 70 years, Stan was a member of the American Radio Relay League and enjoyed keeping in touch with his ham radio friends. His faith was another constant throughout his life. A lifelong member of the Free Methodist Church, he served on boards and committees, as church treasurer, and as a delegate to Conference. He sang in the choir and in quartets. For many years, a beloved Christmas tradition was Stan singing “O Holy Night,” accompanied by Fran at the piano.

A man of few words, Stan was nevertheless full of wit and wisdom. He had a remarkable ability to find practical solutions to just about anything that was broken or any dilemma that arose. His quiet humor, resourcefulness, steady faith, and devotion to family left a lasting impression on those who knew and loved him.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 73 years, Frances Starr Busch; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Edgar Evans; sister and brother-in-law, Clarabelle and Bob O’Neal; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Starr (Janet).

He is survived by his son, Thomas Busch (Mona Mace Busch); daughter, Carolyn Kragt (Tom Kragt); five grandchildren Tim Kragt (Tricia), Beth Myers, Becca DeBruyn (Andrew), Katie Busch, and Margaret Boivin (Michael); five great-grandchildren Collin, Bennett, Gibson, Dean, and Kinley; brother-in-law, Melvin Starr (Susan); along with nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will take place 2 p.m. at Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland, Michigan.

Stan’s life was a testament to the value of a life well lived—faithfully, thoughtfully, and with loving hands always ready to build, repair, create, or help. He will be remembered with love by his family, friends, former students, and all whose lives he touched.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.