Richard Wayne Busenitz, age 84 passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan, Kansas. He was born on November 27, 1940 to his parents, Herman and Martha (Voth), Busenitz in Newton, Kansas.
Richard and family attended Emmaus Mennonite Church in Whitewater, Kansas. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at about 10 years of age. Richard attended Berean Academy High School in Elbing, Kansas. He went on to Grace College of the Bible for 1 year in Omaha, Nebraska and then to Bethel College in Newton, KS. Richard was an honorable veteran who served in the US Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Haleakala and later on the U.S.S. Cacapon as radar man.
Richard & Carol(Ott) Busenitz were married August 5th 1966. They moved to rural Whitewater, KS where he farmed with his father for 6 years. They briefly lived in the Henderson, NE area for 1.5 years, then moved back to Whitewater to continue farming until 1979. After the sale of the farm, Richard became a sales person for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), where he went on to win awards for top Sales person in his territory.
Richard and Carol moved into the town of Whitewater in 1985, where they lived for 32 years. They attended Central Christian Church from 1976 -2018. They moved to Rogers, Arkansas in 2018 for 4 years to be by family, then moved to Manhattan KS in 2022. Here they found their church home at Crestview Christian Church where they served as “Greeters” and enjoyed fellowship with the JOY(Just Older Youth) group.
Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years Carol(Ott) Busenitz, son Paul & wife Gretchen of Panorama City, CA, daughter Christine Busenitz of Tustin, CA and daughter, Caryn Ford & husband Christopher of Warrenton, MO, grandchildren, Raiya & Ryan Zaher and Jack and Riley Busenitz. He is survived by his only brother, Calvin & wife Jodi Busenitz and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by both parents, sister Marjorie & Rolland Wiens and sister Irene and Charles Unruh.
Richard was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He gave of himself and always put his family first. Richard had a servant’s heart. He wasn’t part of many clubs or organizations, and he didn’t need to volunteer in big public ways. Instead, he quietly served the people around him. If anyone asked him for help, his answer was always “yes.” He was ready and willing to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors. He never sought recognition or thanks. Richard enjoyed listening to the ministries of Dr. David Jeremiah and Dr. John Barnett. He had numerous retirement jobs, as he was one that liked to stay busy and worked until the age 82. He loved sports, especially K-State football, where he and Carol had K-State season tickets for over 20 years. Whether it was raining, sleeting, snowing or a heat wave, they didn’t miss a home game.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Crestview Christian Church, Manhattan, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to be made to the Crestview Christian Church Missions and DOOR, Deaf and Reaching Deaf for Christ. The link to missions through Crestview Christian is https://pushpay.com/g/crestviewchristian, select Mission - Zimbabwe and put in memo “in honor of Richard Busenitz”. If you choose to write a check, make it payable to Crestview Christian Church, and in the memo put “Mashoko”. The link to DOOR, Deaf and Reaching Deaf for Christ is https://doorinternational.org/donate
We as a family appreciate all the love and support we have received during this difficult time.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with arrangements.