Richard Busta

Richard "Rick" Busta, age 72, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, passed away Friday, October 24, 2025, at his home due to natural causes.

Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Pivo Brewery, 101 Huber Drive, Calmar, Iowa, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. following the burial. Burial will be in St. John Catholic Cemetery in Fort Atkinson at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Rick was born on April 25, 1953, to Jacob and Coletta (Schmitt) Busta. He grew up on a farm near Fort Atkinson with his seven sisters.

On August 29, 1975, Rick married Sandra Meyer. Together they raised three daughters: Jennifer Law (John), Annie Kester (Joe), and Ericka Busta (Brian Keeler). While working as a salesman and raising his children, Rick was always busy—but never too busy to be present. He made omelets and cookies, attended every band concert and volleyball game, shot hoops in the driveway, went on picnics at Pike’s Peak, did spot-on impersonations of Sesame Street characters, and enjoyed family vacations.

Rick and Sandra later divorced, and each followed their own path.

Rick found a career in road construction and took great pride in a job well done. He loved golfing and bowling. And he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved to joke and make people laugh. He was a history buff, a karaoke crooner, a passionate gardener, and a curious cook—no recipe was ever safe from his creative touch.

Rick was a proud grandfather to Vincent, Max, Olive, and Lee. He is survived by his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, six sisters, Marjorie McDonough, Dorothy (Neil) Bodensteiner, Betty (Manjit) Bajwa, Elaine Mohlin, Diane Busta (Chris Linde), and Marilyn (Richard) Meyer, and countless family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Coletta, his sister Ruth Busta, two brothers-in-law, Larry McDonough and Wayne Mohlin, and great-nephew Jacob Scherf.

Rick will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.