Gerald D. Busselman

Gerald Busselman, 96, of Gretna, Nebraska, went home to be with the Lord on March 11, 2026, at 12:20 p.m., while residing at Brookestone Meadows in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

Gerald was born on January 30, 1930, in Rosalie, Nebraska, in the family farmhouse to George and Olga Busselman. He grew up working on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work, honesty, and perseverance.

Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 until his honorable discharge on December 9, 1959.

On September 9, 1951, Gerald married Betty Cross, and together they had three daughters: Kathy, Karan, and Carol. Betty passed away suddenly on November 23, 1964.

Gerald later married Joan Keck on June 11, 1966, and together they welcomed a son, Jerry. Gerald and Joan built their life together on the family farm near Rosalie, where Gerald farmed until the farm sale in 2008.

In addition to farming, Gerald also worked for Arrow Stage Lines, driving tour buses for many years until his retirement.

In 2009, Gerald and Joan moved to Gretna, Nebraska, where they were able to spend more time with their grandchildren. Their church, Standing Stone Church in Gretna, became a deeply meaningful part of their lives, and Gerald often said he had found his spiritual family there.

Gerald was known for valuing hard work and honesty, but also for his sense of humor. He loved to joke and spend time playing cards with family and friends. Many evenings in the Busselman home were filled with laughter around the table during long card games.

Later in life Gerald often shared his testimony of faith. In his thirties he heard a message from Billy Graham on television and realized his need for Christ. He knelt beside his bed and asked the Lord to come into his life, and from that time forward he saw God change his life and priorities. One verse that meant especially much to him was 1 John 5:11–13, which gave him confidence in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents George and Olga Busselman; his first wife Betty Cross Busselman; his second wife Joan Busselman; his daughter Carol; and his sister Dorothy.

He is survived by his children Kathy (Roger) Sanders, Karan (Rick) Jessen, and Jerry (Jill) Busselman; and his grandchildren Rachel Busselman, Aiden Busselman, Sean Busselman, Joshua (Hadley) Jessen, and Anthony Jessen.

Services

A visitation will be held Friday, March 20, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Standing Stone Church, Gretna, Nebraska. A meal will follow the service.

A graveside service will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Bancroft Cemetery.

Roeder Mortuary 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com