Obituary of Robert I. Buser

Robert I. “Bob” Buser, age 91 longtime Nichols area farmer died Monday, December 18, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City.  Private family graveside services will be held at Nichols Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bob’s memory. 

Robert Ivan Buser was born August 14, 1932, in Conesville, Iowa the son of Jack and Marjorie (Schildberg) Buser.  He attended and graduated from school in Columbus Junction.  He has spent his life on the farm, but also worked full time for a time at Louis Rich, and later for many years at Heinz in Muscatine, retiring after 30 years.  Bob was united in marriage to Bonnie Rae Smith on May 23, 1953, in West Liberty.

Bob’s life would not be considered easy by any standard.  As a very young boy, he was working hard on the farm as everyone did those days.  This carried over as a young man in marriage, he and Bonnie worked hard to make their life good for their family. His way of farming not only involved the planting and harvest, but it involved the daily chores of livestock, dairy cows, pigs, chickens; the huge gardens and orchards; living off their land and hard work was just what they did.  But he also enjoyed much, collecting “Red” tractors, going to the Old Threshers Reunions, State Fair and snagging those deals at Aldi’s and Goodwill!  He believed in frugality and was not shy in sharing his ideas about life!

His family includes his children, Robin Miles (Dan), Susan Morgan (Wayne), Mary Jo Blessing, Mike Buser, Brian Buser, David Buser, and Dan Buser (Marnie); daughter-in-law, Angie Buser; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Bonnie Rae; daughter, Angie Buser; son, Steve Buser, grandson, Jason Colon and granddaughter, Alexis Ann Buser.