Erma Buss

Erma Ethel Buss, age 91, passed away on September 21, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 18, 1920 to the late Emil and Hulda (Gutche) Semrow. She moved to the Freedom area when she was eight years old. On May 4, 1940 she was united in marriage to Victor Buss at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Freedom, they enjoyed 45 years together. Erma and Victor farmed in Freedom until they moved to Appleton in 1965. Erma worked as a housekeeper for many years and enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren. Most people would say housework was a task but Erma would say it was a gift. If she were allowed a carryon bag to heaven, in it you would find a dust rag and mixing bowls and spoons. Anyone that stopped by was always greeted with a warm smile and always offered some type of delicious dessert or cookie, especially her rhubarb pie. She was very devoted to her family, friends and neighbors always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. She also was an apple peeler at Fox Valley Lutheran High School and especially liked it when her grandchildren stopped by to say hello while attending school. She was a faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Appleton, helping serve meals at many church functions. Erma enjoyed time spent with family and friends at the cottage at Moshawquit Lake.

Erma is survived by two sons: David (Lynn) Buss of Appleton and Steve (Jan) Buss of Greenville; five grandchildren: Vikki Buss of Greenville, Vicki (Todd) Verhagen of Freedom, Greg Buss of Appleton, Stephanie Buss of Appleton and Andy Buss of Appleton; seven great- grandchildren: Wes and Tiffany Biese, Josh (Kelly) Schroeder, Nathan (Erin) Buss, Nikki (Mike) Mathena, Stephanie Ashman, and Lynsie Verhagen: two great-great-grandchildren: Eli Biese and Madison Buss. She is further survived by a sister: Millie Sievert and a brother: Ron (Joan) Semrow of Freedom; and sisters-in-law: Dolores Semrow, Ellen Beyer, and Eleanor Buss all of Appleton, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Victor, a beloved son Dennis, two brothers: Harley and Wilmer Semrow; brother-in-law Clarence Sievert: two sisters-in-law: Germaine and Selma Semrow, Victor's parents: Fred and Adeline Buss; his four sisters: Mildred (Ervin) Arnold, Ethel (Norman) Timm, Gertrude (Milton) Knaack, and Marjorie (Gilbert) Melchert; his brother, Lawrence Buss; and brother-in-law Art Beyer.

The Christian Funeral for Erma will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at BETHANY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 530 W. Parkway Boulevard in Appleton, with Rev. Mark Henke officiating. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again Saturday at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Elaine Buss and Barb Semrow, special neighbors Peter and Audrey Akmentins, Doreen and Ken Ebben, Jim and Dorothy Denil, Darlene Missling and Ev Lom. Erma was loved and adored by all who had the opportunity to know her. On earth she was an angel from heaven.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
920-739-1231