Alvin Busching, 92, Versailles

Alvin L. Busching, 92, of Versailles passed away at 1pm, Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born in Versailles on September 13, 1929 the son of Horace and Leona Elrod Busching. He was married to Virginia (Pat) Molen on August 15, 1953 and she preceded him in death on June 8, 2007. Alvin’s family lived with his grandfather on a farm at what is now the entrance to the Versailles State Park until 1936, when the property was purchased by the federal government. The family moved to Pierceville in 1937 and continued farming there until 1959. Alvin graduated from Milan High School in 1948. He served with the US Army from 1954 until 1956, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for service to his country. He then returned to Milan to work at the Milan Furniture Factory for three years. In 1959 he began a 30 year career with the Monsanto Company, retiring in 1989. Alvin was active in Ripley County Republican politics, giving his full support to wife Pat and son Mark, both who served multiple terms in county offices. He was past president of the Milan Lions Club and was a member of their Hall of Fame. He belonged to the Versailles American Legion Post #173, and was a devoted member of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church at Stumpke’s Corner for many years. He was an accomplished baker and competed annually in the Versailles Pumpkin Show baking contest, winning several awards for his pie and bread entries. Alvin also worked as a local sales representative for the Electrolux Company for more than 30 years. He loved fishing and spending time with his grandsons after his retirement. Survivors include his sons Mark of Versailles and Tim (Christie) of Indianapolis; grandsons Michael (Sarah) of Franklin, and Brian (Amanda) of Indianapolis; one sister Ruth (Charles) Ashcraft of Versailles; one brother Fred (Francis) Busching of Sunman; four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 4th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Sue Socha officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery, Versailles Fire Department, or St. Paul Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.