PATRICIA BUUS

Patricia Ann Buus, 79, passed away peacefully on August 20th at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. She was born on May 9th, 1946, and grew up on the family farm in Wagner, surrounded by her eight siblings. Patricia led an extraordinary life, defined by her hard work, elegance, and dedication to family, faith, and community. From an award winning baton twirler at age 13 to a trailblazer in the business world, she built a successful career as a business executive and worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies. She broke barriers as the President of the Association for Corporate Growth in Chicago, where she became the first woman to serve on the board. Beyond her corporate achievements, Patricia’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to become a partner in developing two French restaurants and a Spanish restaurant, where she shared her passion for culture and fine dining. Most recently, while living at The Inn on Westport, Patricia created the Community Care to Go program, which provided meaningful support to the Ronald McDonald House. Her vision and compassion touched countless lives and reflected her lifelong commitment to giving back. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Mary (Needham) Buus; her sisters, Joan Mead and Kay Buus; and her brothers, Michael Buus and Daniel Buus and stillborn baby brother, Bartholomew; and brother-In-Law, Robert Darling. She is survived by her sisters: Ellen Darling, Sally (LaVern) Rezac, Madge (Ken) Buus-Frank, and foster sister Barb (George) Guenther; nephews and nieces: Mark (Tairi) Mead, Michelle (John) Drager, Samantha Link, Bill (Christina) Rezac, Bridget (Ryan) Campbell, Casey (Melissa) Buus, Tanya (David) Reed, Amber (Billy) Weller, Jesse (Lauren) Frank, Rachel (Albertus) Horsting, and Ryan (Caitlin) Frank; along with many cherished grandnephews and grandnieces. Patricia’s life was full of compassion and service to others. She will be remembered as a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her integrity, grace, and tireless work ethic remain an inspiration to all who knew her. Her Funeral Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, September 26th at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wagner. Inurnment will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.