Jan Bussard's Obituary
Jan Bussard (Janice), 96, Spring Lake, died on December 30, 2021 as she looked forward to her next adventure. Always inspired by her four daughters, she pursued daily life with enthusiasm and a realistic passion for perfection. Jan was born to Carl and May Wingeier, the third of four sisters and an identical twin. She graduated from Ionia High School and Western Michigan University with a teaching degree in Business Education and English. She taught 40 years in Michigan high schools while creating images from thoughts and ideas for nine inventions all of which were filed and awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She was especially proud of her inventions in the holographic field.
Jan married James W. Bussard, a World War II pilot and attorney, in 1947. Throughout her adventurous life, Jan was influenced by the core values she learned growing up on a dairy farm: Hard work, humility, loyalty and service. She enjoyed teaching church school at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church during her earlier years. She remained in touch with several former students who greatly enhanced her later years. She taught her family that no matter what happens in life, you have to be ready to somehow “figure it out.”
Jan is survived by her four daughters: Jane (Jim) Christman of Oak Brook, IL; Jody (Ed) Herrelko of Spring Lake, MI; Jiselle (Greg) Graves of Edina, MN; and Jill (Scot) Ferris of Grand Rapids, MI. She is survived by her sister, Carol (Chris) Harder of Ionia, friend and cousin, Douglas Wingeier and several special nieces and nephews.
Other survivors include her eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren: Jill (Bailey) Pratt (Jiselle, Jenevieve, Beau), Lauren (John Koeppen) Christman; John (Amber) Sielski, Jane (Nick Bennett) Sielski; Greg (Caitlin) Graves (Benjamin, Lukas), Mike (Maren) Graves (baby due May, 2022); James (Kate) Ferris (Elle), and Daniel (Kelsey) Ferris.
Jan was predeceased by her husband, James, in 2009, sisters Ardith (Charles) Westie, and Carmen (Kenneth) Kistner.
Jan’s family wishes to thank Hospice Residence at Heartwood Lodge for their compassion and outstanding care. As Jan requested, the celebration of life with immediate family has taken place. Please consider memorials to The Little Red House, Adult Day Care Services, 311 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake, Michigan, 49456. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
The family is being served by The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456.
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