John William Bussing Jr.

Longtime Alaskan John William Bussing Jr., 68, died March 25, 2012, at his home in Big Lake surrounded by his loved ones.

Pastor Brad Whitworth will officiate at a memorial service in honor of John at 2 p.m., April 13 at Big Lake Baptist Church at the corner of the Parks Highway and Big Lake Road.

John was born March 18, 1944, to Lilly Elizabeth Johnson and John William Bussing Sr. in Stoneman, Calif. After graduating in 1961, he joined the U.S. Army and served his country during Vietnam until he was honorably discharged in 1967. During his service he married his loving wife of 46 years, Edna Pearl Bussing.

John worked as a truck driver for Mayflower and also as an ironworker in Texas. The Bussing family moved to Slana in 1985 and made their homestead on five acres on the untouched Bush. His family resided in Slana for 19 years and moved to Big Lake in 2004. John was a member of Big Lake Baptist Church and enjoyed puzzles and fishing.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and granddaughters, Amber and Felicia.

Surviving are his wife, Edna Bussing of Big Lake; sons, Jack Bussing of Ranger, Texas, and Floyd Bussing of Big Lake; daughters, Elizabeth M. Avery and Kerri M. Bussing, both of Wasilla; sister, Barbara Johnson of Darrington, Wash.; half-sister, Claudia Baher of Standwood, Wash.; grandchildren, Patrick A. Bussing, Emerald John Ferguson, James William Avery, Donna Marie Avery and Stella Marie Guthrie; and great-grandsons, McKinley James Bussing and Donavan Green.

Valley Funeral Home cared for the family. Online obituary and guestbook may be visited at alaskanfuneral.com.