Donald J Busch

Donald J. Busch, 71, of Marysville, a man who literally and figuratively stood above the crowd at 6’8”, officially went off the grid Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Born on April 20, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Ed and Lois Busch, "Unkie Don" possessed a massive personality that perfectly matched his towering frame.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Don spent his life operating on his own frequency. He was a master tinkerer who could fix or modify anything electronic, a passionate lover of dogs-having been a dog dad many times over-and a man who was always up for causing mild levels of trouble. Don was also famously skeptical of authority. He lived just half a step away from wearing a tinfoil hat, deeply distrusting the government and making no apologies for his fiercely independent worldview.

For all his gruff eccentricity, Don’s heart belonged entirely to one person. He loved his wife, Joanne Busch, more than anything in this world. When Joanne passed away in 2016, a piece of Don went with her, and he missed her profoundly every single day. Following her loss, he relocated to Michigan to be closer to his family, bringing his unique brand of chaos and love to his sister and nieces.

Don is survived by his sister, Danni Spresser; his nieces, Leah Spresser and Karla Spresser; his great-nephew, Lucas Spresser; and his great-niece, Emma Spresser. He also leaves behind his beloved great-dog-nephew, Maverick the Chocolate Lab, who will undoubtedly miss his towering friend.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne; parents; his brother, James Busch; and his niece, Kathryn Spresser.

In true, stubborn Don fashion, he strictly demanded that no formal services be held. His family will return him to Chicago for burial at a later date. Instead of a funeral, Don would want you to question a local ordinance, feed a dog a treat under the table, or cause a mild amount of harmless trouble today in his honor.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com