Robert J. 'R.J.' Buss

At 10:55 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at the age of 81, R.J. with joyful tears in his eyes took his last breath with his devoted wife in his arms, surrounded by his loving family in the home he built for them on Spring Street. Born on February 23, 1929, to Alex and Helen Buss of Gresham, WI, their first-born son would affectionately be known as Red, R.J., Bob and Robert. As second-generation American Immigrants, their son lived the American Dream.

In 1947 at the age of 18, Robert left the homestead traveling to Shawano to join the Bodart Shows. As an amusement Ride Operator, affectionately known as a “grease monkey,” his work ethic earned high marks with the carnival family. Nicknamed Red, he met Cheyenne J. Thompson, a third-generation “carnie” accustomed to hard work and long hours. He soon realized this was the woman who would be his life partner. After a short courtship they were joined in marriage on April 17, 1948, in Appleton. In 1950 he took his wife and baby daughter Kay Mary to Racine where it was known that with determination a man could start a building business. Togetherm, he and Cheyenne built their first of many homes for a Racine family on Ohio Street; this was the beginning of R.J. Buss Builders.

As their business grew, R.J. knew the importance of community. Joining the Racine Builders Assoc. in 1953, he soon earned the respect of area builders and was nominated president in 1962. As president Bob became active in both the Wisconsin Builders Assoc. and the National Assoc. of Builders. As a Congressional Contact he earned further respect both in Madison and Washington, lobbying for the building industry. Along with a growing building business that included both homes and commercial properties, his signature-designed homes were featured in numerous Parade of Homes throughout the city and in subdivisions that he and Cheyenne developed in Racine County.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Racine welcomed Bob, and he, along with Cheyenne, enjoyed flipping pancakes in May and renovating a Washington Avenue home for troubled youth. In recognition of Bob’s service, he was honored many times by the Kiwanis Club. His building expertise further led to his appointment as a volunteer Commissioner to the Racine Water and Wastewater Utilities in 1978. Little did Cheyenne know that this would lead them to San Francisco, where they survived the great earthquake of 1989 while on utility business. After 21 years of service, Mayor James Smith proclaimed October 16, 1998, as Robert J. Buss Day for his service to Racine as Commissioner. His entrepreneurship included many professional businessmen, such as King Ehrlich, Don Boutell, Attorney Fred Wheeler and Attorney Adrian Schoone .

Along with his business and community involvement, R.J. could always find time for hunting trips out West with his wife, family and buddies. Many friends and family enjoyed trips to the cottage on Anderson Lake, deer hunting in the Fall and snowmobiling in the Winter. Deeply cherished motorhome trips to Horicon for goose hunting with Cheyenne and daughter Eva are evident in trophy geese displayed at the family cottage. Everyone who was ever invited to the Racine Yacht Club during Salmon-A-Rama will remember card and dice games and fishing on Lake Michigan. Bob ALWAYS enjoyed life to the fullest and once you became his friend, you were a friend for life.

But with all of his successes, R.J.’s true legacy is his family. For 62 years Cheyenne “Cherokee” was his dedicated wife and partner. Together they raised two daughters, Kay (Paul) Dawson and Eva Buss, who will continue to epitomize their family values. For 16 years his beloved granddaughter, “My Little Love,” Tiffany (Joshua) Baumstark and two incredible great-grandchildren, Logan and Peyton, were his steadfast next-door neighbors. Known as Robert to his siblings Irene (Edward) Baker, Kenneth (Phyllis) Buss, Betty Buss, Ella (Carl) Matz, Rosemary (David) Warden and Barbara (Ronald) Cecchi. Preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Krueger and Dorothy Klitzka; and brother, Henry Buss. Fondly known as Uncle Robert to his many nieces and nephews with a special thanks to nephew Frank Krueger, who was always there when he needed him. R.J. was also preceded in death by his protégé Bill Klokow. Along with one’s family, friends will always be remembered; with too many to list, each of you know who you are.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 12, 2011, at 10 a.m., at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 3350 LaSalle St. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday, Feb. 11, at the funeral home from 5 until 8 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Christ the King Lutheran church.

The family wishes to express deepest heartfelt thanks to the endearing staff of Society’s Assets, the unconditional caring assistance of Darlene Holland of Hospice Alliance and the spiritual guidance of Pastor Hilbert Kamps. Without all of you the final journey would never have been the same.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888