Ken Bushman, 88
Published on October 16, 2026 at 11:32am EDT | Author: Kendall Koenen
0On June 6, 2026, the angels came and guided Ken home. We said farewell to a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and family man. We are grateful for all he did and shared. We were blessed with wonderful friendships and good times shared over the years.
Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in New Munich, Minn., a visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Visitation will also be Thursday, Oct. 15 from 4-7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Kenneth (Kenny, Ken) John Bushman was born August 19,1938 in Melrose, Minn. to Walter and Pauline (Suck) Bushman. Ken was the second of six children, he was born breech, (his mother always said he was born ass backward).
Ken was baptized and confirmed in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and went to Parochial School in New Munich. He was a mass server. He was very honored to serve for Reverend Severin Charles Schweiters’ first mass on June 4, 1950. Ken was also an usher and member of the St Joseph’s Society in New Munich.
Ken worked for his dad in the Gravel Business driving truck at the early age of 16. When Walter passed on Nov 22, 1968, Ken and his brother Wayne partnered for several years. Ken also worked with his brother Roman for the many townships (St Martin, Oak, Spring Hill, Grove, Lake Henry and the Village of New Munich) in the area blading and snow plowing, which he also did driveways for many farmers in those areas.
He was united in marriage to Patricia Dorn on August 1,1969 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank, Minn. Their marriage was blessed with two sons John and Joe.
In Dec. of 1982 Ken and Pat purchased her uncle Steve Klimek’s farm in Otter Tail County, where Ken started his own business – Ken Bushman Excavating. He did work for the townships of Leaf Mountain, Folden and Niadros, and for the local farmers. He enjoyed visiting with all the farmers. Ken taught his sons blading and the business and they eventually took over when he was ready to retire in his late 70’s. They hosted many Labor Day weekend get togethers for family, neighbors and friends. They were very special times, including visits from Oliver, Torsten Hoffmann and his family, their parents Ulrich and Rose, from Germany, as Ken and his brother Bud enjoyed speaking German with them.
Ken enjoyed traveling and visiting, including taking vacations with his family, especially a trip out west and another to Mackinac Island with the late Clarence and Dorine Von Wahlde. Ken and Pat traveled with Gert and Matt, Frances and Billy and Pat’s mom during their first 25 years of marriage, they visited 25 states. It slowed down after that. He had a memorable trip with Oliver Hoffmann, the family foreign exchange student from Germany, to Oklahoma. He also took trips with his brother-in-law Matt Roers, he was especially fond of the trip to “Mighty Bra” in New Orleans. Ken liked his 8N fords and his 1930 Model A, which was his pride and joy. He was thrilled to take people for a run in it. Ken loved spending time with family and friends, especially his sons and 4 grandsons. He would brag about them every chance he got, they were the highlight of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roman, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Gertrude and Matt Roers, nephews and nieces Merlin Roers, Scott, Sheila and Shelly Terwey, and Jennifer (Bushman) Montag.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Pat Bushman of New Munich, his sons John (Cristy) Bushman and Joe (Krystal- significant other) Bushman both of Clitherall. Grandsons Cole (Jessica) Bushman, Justin Bushman, Dawson Bushman and Jordan Bushman. Great Grandchildren Mialoni, Waylon and Abilene Bushman. Brothers Walter (Bud) Bushman, Wayne (Ceil Humbert) Bushman, sisters Delores (Larry) Terwey and Darlene (Roger) Burg, Sister-in-laws Lou Bushman, Frances (Wilbert) Suchy, Brother-in-law Art (Donna) Dorn. Along with a host of extended family and Friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church elevator fund are preferred.