Gary Buser

Gary Buser, born on July 15, 1959, in Sullivan, IN, passed away unexpectedly on his 64th birthday, July 15, 2023, at his home in Palestine, IL. A man defined by his generous and loving nature, Gary will be remembered not only for his incredible dedication to his work and family but also for his unique personality and thoughtful spirit. These traits (and countless others) will forever be remembered by his loved ones: his children, Bradley Buser (Tiffin, IA) and Erin Wallace (Robinson, IL); his former wife and mother of his children, Monica Buser (Tiffin, IA); his parents, Larry & Leah Buser (Palestine, IL); his sisters & brothers-in-law, Teresa & Mark Makarewicz (Pleasant Hill, CA), Michele & Scott Mendenhall (Palestine, IL), and Barbara "Bobbi Jo" & Eric Pierson (Anchorage, AK); his brother-in-law, David & Pam Wakefield (Houston, TX); his nieces and nephews, Katherine, Ben, Jon, Lucas, Allie, Rebecca, Nick, and Delaney; as well as several great-nieces & nephews and aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dr. Karen Wakefield, and by his grandparents.

Gary completed his education at Palestine High School in 1977 and went on to earn an associate's degree from Ivy Tech, where he excelled in science and math (English and history...not so much!) His work history spanned several companies, starting at Rockwell Collins in Iowa, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Monica. Over the years, he had significant stints at James Business Machines (J&M), Leaf (and then Hershey), and Ameren, contributing his analytical mind and electrical expertise to each of these businesses. At Ameren, he also played a vital role in the union and always strived to ensure the job security of his colleagues. He then took part in the construction of Edwardsport's new power plant and worked briefly at LincolnLand Agri-Energy in Palestine before joining Lawrence Correctional Center in 2014.

Gary was known for his vibrant energy and adventurous spirit. He was the instigator of many spontaneous day trips, delighting in creating lasting memories with his children. With a love for travel that spanned the country, he audaciously took his children to 38 states before they graduated high school using the Buser way - long, grueling journeys of up to 15 hours a day! Gary enjoyed fishing on many of these vacations, from halibut fishing in Alaska to deep-sea fishing in Florida. And while these made for lasting memories, he treasured simpler times, too, like board game nights with his family. Monopoly was always his game of choice (though the way he played the role of banker was not without controversy!) Though he may or may not have playfully bent the rules in his favor on game nights, it was clear that, more often than not, his heart beat outside of himself. After all, those who knew Gary could attest to his generosity and kindness, having helped countless friends and neighbors without want of recognition. His willingness to help paired with his thoughtful intelligence to make Gary the go-to person for any query, as he was always ready with an answer after careful consideration. This contemplative, analytical approach to problems would serve his community well during his stints on the Norris Electric Cooperative Board and the Palestine CUSD #3 School Board.

Throughout his 64 years, Gary was rarely without a project going or a loved one at his side, finding fulfillment in both collaboration and companionship. From running trap lines with friends before school and fighting for the good of his colleagues at Ameren to helping his daughter sort out plumbing issues at her house (he did a lot of plumbing for being an electrician) and helping his parents with all of their electrical work that needed to be done, Gary proved time and again to be a true friend and ally. His keen analytical mind, loving nature, and generous spirit greatly impacted those fortunate enough to know him. And we know, and find great comfort in knowing, that the life we remember is only gone from our sight. After all, Gary placed his trust in Jesus, who met him on Saturday with the words, "Welcome home!"

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 20th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 21st at the funeral home with his brother-in-law, Pastor Scott Mendenhall officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to two organizations near and dear to his heart: the "Ronald McDonald House" and "Riley Hospital for Children". Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.