DAVENPORT — Father Robert Busher, 80, a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport, died Oct. 16 at the Kahl Home.
He was born Sept. 23, 1944 to Emmett and Hilda (Becker) Busher in Watkins, Iowa. Prior to entering the seminary, he was a partner in a professional floral business and worked as a professional photographer and manager of an import gift center.
He attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, earning degrees in psychology and philosophy. He then graduated from the North American College in Rome where he earned degrees in sacred theology and a master’s in theology. While studying in Italy, he met a lifelong friend, now-Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The cardinal visited Father Busher just five days before his death.
On July 17, 1976, Bishop Gerald O’Keefe ordained Father Busher to the priesthood at St. Mary Parish in Williamsburg.
Father Busher served as a temporary chaplain at University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City before serving in parish ministry. He served at St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City, St. Mary Parish-Clinton, St. Joseph Parish-East Pleasant Plain, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish-Richland, St. Thomas More Parish-then in Iowa City, St. Mary Parish-Oskaloosa, Immaculate Conception Parish-Colfax, Sacred Heart Cathedral-Davenport and St. Mary Parish-Wilton. He retired in 2016.
Father Busher dedicated his life to the priesthood, ministering to countless people throughout his life, continuing to serve faithfully until his final days. Known for his compassion, wisdom and unwavering faith, he was a beloved figure within the communities he served, his obituary states. He conveyed a warm spirit and was always ready to offer a kind word or a listening ear. Father Bob will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his gift of hospitality.
His funeral Mass was scheduled for Oct. 23 at Sacred Heart Cathedral; burial was to take place Oct. 24 in St. Patrick Cemetery in Watkins.
Memorials may be made to the Priest Aid Society.
