Ronald D. Busch, 90, of Davenport, IA, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, with his family by his side at Unity Point Bettendorf. He was born on July 18, 1936, in Bloomington, Illinois, to his parents George and Beulah (Durflinger) Busch. The family lived on various farms (father was a farm manager) when Ronald was growing up. He graduated from Gilman High School in 1954, where he was active in football, basketball, and track. In his senior year, he was voted Athlete of the Year at Gilman High School. Ronald married his high school sweetheart, Miriam Boebel, on November 26, 1954, at St John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth, Illinois. They enjoyed 71 years of a wonderful and loving marriage, raising 5 children.

 Ron worked at Ford Motor Company Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights for 38 years as an inspector, retiring in 1994. He worked many overtime hours so his children could graduate from college while also attending all their school activities. When Ron and Miriam resided in Kankakee, Illinois, they were active members of American Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder, deacon, and catechist. After his retirement, he and Miriam spent many weekends camping in their trailer and travelling to see children and grandchildren in their many activities. He enjoyed hiking in the woods and mountains.

 Ron and Miriam spent 8 years in retirement in Punta Gorda, Florida enjoying everyday sunshine and shuffleboard. Ron was a 50-year cancer survivor. Ron was a life-long die-hard Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and University of Illinois fan.

 Ron is survived by his wife of 71 years, Miriam; his children, David (Susan) Busch, Karen (Tim) Highland, Gary (Connie Hill) Busch, and Richard (Mary Fitzpatrick) Busch; his daughters-in-law, Debbie Busch and Teri (Brian) Smith; his sister, Sandy Krones; and his sisters-in-laws, Joyce Busch, Betty Roleder, Margaret Smith, Carolyn Johannsen, and Katherine Green. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

 Ron was preceded in death by son, Stephen Busch; parents, George and Beulah; brothers Jack Busch and Roger Busch; brothers-in-laws Carl (Marilyn) Boebel, Alan Smith, George Roleder, Bob Johannsen, Bob Foley, Jim Lux, Jerry Krones; nephew, Eric Lux; and niece, Jennifer Smith.

 Ron’s family wishes to express a special thank-you to the Unity Point Bettendorf Hospital ER and ICU staff for their kindness and compassion during this time.

 Ron was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Davenport, IA.

 A Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26th, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2136 Brady Street, Davenport, IA, with visitation prior from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the church. Interment following services will be at Davenport Memorial Park. Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline, IL, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth, Illinois and the St Paul’s Lutheran Church Outreach Program in Davenport, IA.