Eldon Richard Busch, age 87, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away at home on December 22, 2025.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Dec 27th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, Iowa, followed by a funeral at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Will Layton officiating.  Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Eldon was born on August 16, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa to John and Frieda (Lubs) Busch.  He grew up on a farm near St. Donatus, Iowa, attended Bellevue High School and graduated from the University of Dubuque; he also served in the Iowa Army National Guard.

Eldon was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, Iowa and was united in marriage to Donna. J. Bormann there in 1964.

Eldon and Donna farmed together in Bellevue for over 50 years. Beyond Farming, Eldon pursued careers in agricultural banking and crop insurance adjusting, which allowed him to travel widely. He also contributed his time as a board member for the Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and held multiple leadership roles on the church council.

Eldon is survived his loving wife, Donna; his daughter, Joan (Eric) Clark, of Madison, WI, his son, John (Julie) Busch of Bellevue, IA and his beloved grandchildren Ben Busch of Bellevue and Brianna Busch of New Braunfels, TX; brother, Carlton Busch; sisters-in-law: Norma Bormann, Norla Bormann, Wanda Bormann, Verla Beck and Mary Busch, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frieda Busch; brothers, Roger, Harvey, and Norman Busch; in-laws, William and Viola Bormann; brothers-in-law, William, Vernon, and Glen Bormann, Jimmy Bradley, and Bill Beck; sisters-in-law, Shirley Busch and Lois Ann Bradley; nephew, Allen Busch; and nieces, Dixie Clasen and Susan Simmons.

Dad simply wanted to have each day be a “good day.”

The family wishes to thank all the health care professionals, especially to Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Mark Hermann for all their wonderful care and compassion.