John E. Busch, Jr.

Visitation for John Edward Busch Jr., 84, of Palatine, will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2018, at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine.  Prayers will begin Monday, May 7, 2018, 9:15 a.m., also at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, proceeding to St. Theresa Catholic Church, 455 N. Benton St., Palatine, where a Funeral Mass will be said at 10:00 a.m.  The Interment will be private.

He is the beloved husband of 58 years to Nancy Ann, (nee: Helfvogt); loving father of Elizabeth (Michael), Monica, Julia and John Busch III (Cynthia); proud papa of Michael and Daniel Melle, James, Justin, Meredith, Joshua, and Malorie Fruhauf, Katie, Amy and Lindsey Bazzoni and John Busch IV.  John passed away peacefully, at home, on May 1, 2018 surrounded by his loving family and his best buddy, Willie.

Born October 12, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Elizabeth (Laub) Busch.  He is survived by sister, Rosemarie, and many nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his brother, Joseph and sister, Lorraine.

After graduating Palatine High School in 1953, he then graduated college in 1957 from the University of Dubuque; where he enjoyed a successful career as a student athlete participating in basketball, football and track.  He was a member of the Dubuque National Guard, the US Army and the Army Reserves.

Returning home, he proudly ran the family business with his father and brother at Busch Auto Service Center, Inc., and now John Busch III, continues the family legacy.

He served 25 years as a volunteer fireman and paramedic of the Palatine Fire Department where he became the first paramedic class of Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL. and later served a term as the Palatine Police and Fire Commissioner.

A faithful parishioner and usher of St. Theresa Church in Palatine where he was awarded the Christifideles Award by Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, in recognition of 60-years of generous service.

A charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Ghost Council #4977 for 58 years.  He was a part of a brotherhood whom together served our community with dedication and compassion.

His greatest love was his family.  He cherished every moment he shared with each and every one.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JourneyCare Hospice, 405 Lake Zurich Rd, Barrington, IL, 60010, or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alzheimers.org.  They will be greatly appreciated.

IF YOU MET JOHN, YOU LIKED HIM.

IF YOU KNEW JOHN, YOU LOVED HIM.