Carole J. Buss

She graduated from high school in Belleville, Wisconsin, and attended college at Iowa Wesleyan. After graduation, she taught school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, until she learned of the Army Physical Therapy Program. She completed the program in 1961 and began her career as a physical therapist in the Army Medical Specialist Corps.

Her assignments included serving as a therapist at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, the military hospital in Okinawa, Brook Army Medical Center, and in Vietnam (Cu Chi and Saigon). She also served as Chief at Fort Hood. In addition, she held roles as a Physical Therapy Staff Officer at Health Services Command and Chief of the Physical Therapy Division in the Surgeon General’s Office of the Army Medical Department, where she culminated her 30-year career.

During her time in the military, Carole earned multiple medals, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation (10LC), National Defense Service Medal, three Vietnam Service Medals, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Meritorious Service Medal (30LC), and two Overseas Service Bars.

Upon retirement, she volunteered with various organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Women Working Wonders. She was a wonderful friend and was always ready to help someone with a project—whether plumbing, electrical work, or a sprinkler system. She enjoyed playing golf and tennis and often competed in tournaments.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Janet Buss, her sister, Janet Babler, her brother Richard Buss, in-laws Kenneth Babler, Lou Ann Buss, and Kenneth Blum.

She is survived by her dear and best friend of 60 years, Mary Lucas of San Antonio, Texas; her sisters, Harriet Blum of Belleville, Wisconsin, and Mary Caravello of Tucson, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

Colonel Buss’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to her country, her profession, and the people she served. Her legacy of leadership, service, and compassion will be remembered with deep gratitude and respect.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate care team at Visiting Angels for their kindness, support, and dedicated care.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors at Assembly Area with US Army Caisson will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209, on May 14, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am.