Marie Bushman

MARIE EMMA BUSHMAN was born on July 18, 1928 to Alfred and Katherine (Shriver) Cyriacks in Lake Benton Township near Lake Benton, Minnesota. She was baptized on July 29, 1928 and confirmed on June 21, 1942 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Benton. She was raised on the family farm, attending school at District #10 through the eighth grade and graduating from Lake Benton High School in 1946. She went to Teacher’s Training School in Canby, Minnesota and taught in various schools. On July 17, 1949 Marie married Robert Bushman in St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Their union was blessed with five children and 64 years of life together. The couple farmed in Drammen Township for 50 years, from 1949-1999. Marie continued teaching a few years, paused to raise her family, and when the children were grown was a substitute teacher in Verdi, Lake Benton and Elkton public schools. In 1999, the couple moved into Lake Benton.

On Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Marie passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 85 years, 11 months and 14 days.

Marie was a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Dorcas Society. She was also a member of the Busy Bees and of the Dramman Farmer’s Club. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, baking, cooking, canning, playing cards and dancing. Her special joy was her family.

Marie is lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert; her children, Robert R. (Kathie) of Monticello, Minnesota, Randall (Deb) of Lake Benton, Rosalyn (Terry) Burke of Omaha, Nebraska, Ryan of Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Russell (Pamela) of Montrose, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Marvin (Stella) Cyriaks of Annandale, Minnesota; sisters, Evelyn Trautman and Bernice Trautman, both of Lake Benton, and Lorraine (Leo) Brandt of Tyler, Minnesota; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Walter Cyriaks; two sisters, Doreen Kinner and Madalyn Huska; and an infant brother.

Blessed be her memory!