Obituary of Donald Emerson Buss
Donald Emerson Buss, passed away peacefully at his home in Joliet, on February 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Don was born in Bloomington, IL, on October 24, 1934, the son of the late Emerson and Sabina (nee Behrend) Buss.
Don was raised in Joliet and was a graduate of Joliet Catholic and Loyola University. He dedicated his professional life to education, retiring in 2000 after 38 years as a teacher with Valley View School District. His love of teaching continued into retirement as he taught part time at Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis.
Deeply committed to his faith, Donald was a longtime active parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was also involved in his professional community as a member of the American Chemical Society. Those who knew him will remember him as a loving and faith-filled man.
Don is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Mary Agnes “Mazie” (nee Johnson) Buss; his children, Michael (Leslie) Buss, Patrick (Kim Wysocki-Buss) Buss, William (Janet) Buss; Susan (Paul) Freudinger, James Buss, Christine (Paul) Offerman, and Kathryn (Andy) Osburn; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Paul (Annette) Buss; his sister, Mildred (the late Richard) DeLong; and in-laws, Joanne Buss and Tom (Patricia) Johnson.
He is preceded by his parents; his sister, Marilyn (the late David) Klotz; and his brother, Robert Buss.
Funeral Services for Donald Emerson Buss will be held at 9:15 a.m., on Monday, March 2, 2026, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home chapel on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the charity of the donor’s choice.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
