Lawrence “Larry” Gus Buysse passed away Friday, December 13, 2024 at Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Marshall, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Tracy. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic School (225 6th St., Tracy, MN 56175) or Avera Hospice (300 S. Bruce Street, Suite C, Marshall, MN 56258). Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lawrence “Larry” Gus Buysse was born on May 20, 1949 to Gustaff and Florence (DeBaere) Buysse in Marshall, MN. Larry was baptized and confirmed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Larry’s early years were influenced by the nuns of Holy Redeemer where he attended school from first grade through his senior year. Immediately after graduation, Larry enlisted in the MN Army National Guard.
One of his more memorable interactions in the Guard was responding to the Tracy, MN tornado for traffic control. Tracy had a special meaning to Larry for many reasons, but the biggest reason was in April of 1968 when he met Bonnie Joy Edwards and forever changed his future. In July of 1971, Larry and Bonnie wed at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Larry and Bonnie were blessed with 3 children, Chad, Cory, and Dawn. Larry went to work for Lampert Lumber in Marshall, New Ulm, and Sioux Falls. He was able to return to his passion of farming by working for an area farmer. In 1975 Larry and Bonnie moved to Tracy to work for Midwest Supply. In the fall of 1977, Larry was given the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of farming with his father-in-law, Harold Edwards, while also helping his brother-in-law, Gordy Edwards. In 1981, Larry and Bonnie moved out to the family farm east of Tracy with their three children in tow. That opportunity would lead to years of raising crops and a beautiful family. In 2013, Larry and Bonnie built their retirement home on the edge of Tracy, and he continued to farm until 2016 when a diagnosis of Parkinson’s prompted his retirement. He still enjoyed driving tractor and helping out when needed as his son Chad took over the farm operation. Larry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy where he served on the parish council, as an usher, and chairman of the school board. He also served on the Springdale Township board. In 2006, Larry was honored with the Farmer of the Year award. While farming was always his passion, Larry was most proud of raising his family.
He cherished his grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments. His humor, smile, passion for family, drive for farming, and love for Bonnie will live on in the memories we hold on to and share. The family wishes to thank everyone who was part of his Parkinson’s journey for improving his quality of life.
Larry is survived by wife Bonnie of 53 years; son Chad (Stacie) Buysse of Tracy, son Cory Buysse (Chantell Johnson) of Nerstrand MN, daughter Dawn (Dana) Kaldor of Hillsboro ND; grandchildren: Alexis Buysse, Cayden Buysse, John Kaldor, Myla Kaldor, and Lily Kaldor; siblings: Elaine (Bob) Olin of Lynd MN, JoAnn Meier of Omaha NE, Steve Buysse of Marshall MN, and Doug Buysse of Cottonwood MN; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Gustaff, mother Florence, brothers Jim and Chuck, sister Diane, and several aunts and uncles.