Busch, Paul E. Age 83 of Roseville. Born Dec. 16, 1925 in Bonduel, WI in his grandparents farm home. Died Nov. 1, 2009. 1943 Graduate of Arlington HS, MN and St. Cloud State University. Earned his MA from the University of Indiana. Enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served proudly aboard the USS Suffolk, WWII. As coxswain, drove an LCVP landing craft in the Pacific Area including invasions at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Taught physical education and health in Portland, OR, Mound, MN and the Roseville Area Schools. As a member of the original faculty that opened the new high school of Alexander Ramsey in 1953, Paul taught phy. ed. and health and also was assistant coach in wrestling and track. As a 38-year head coach of the Ramsey Rams Cross Country Team, he built an impressive record that included 2 state championships, 19 regional titles, and 20 conference championships. Paul developed the elementary phy. ed. program for the entire district, and made rounds to the schools instructing teachers and students in the units of tumbling and square dancing and rhythms. He started a summer recreation program for students that included a variety of athletic and arts/crafts activities. When the district built swimming pools, Paul created a school and large community swim program. Paul initiated the elementary track meet where young students from across the district competed in various events. Some 40 years later, students still enjoy these competitions. In 1980, as a finalist for the Minnesota State Teacher of the Year, he was named a "Teacher of Excellence" by the Minnesota Edu. Assoc. for this work in the classroom. The Minnesota State Coaches Assoc., the Minnesota State HS League, The Minnesota Cross Country Coaches and St. Cloud State University have all named him to the Halls of Fame. As to his success, Paul simply said that he always had the privilege of working with tremendous students, staff, and parents. Throughout his career and into retirement, he was an avid gardener and apple grower. Teacher, coach, mentor to many. He loved his family, his church, his CC boys, the cabin, and his garden. Preceded in death by parents, Rev. John and Linda Busch, sisters and brothers. Survived by wife of nearly 60 years, Dorothy; children, Susan Leaf (Thomas), Kevin (Felicia) and Barbara (Paul Dahlke, deceased); and 7 grandchildren. Funeral service at EMMAUS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1074 W. Idaho, St. Paul on Thurs., Nov. 5 at 10 AM. Visitation at Mueller-Bies- Roseville, 2130 N. Dale & Co. Rd. B on Wed. from 4-7 PM and on Thurs. at the church from 9 AM until service. Interment St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Arlington, MN at 2:30 PM. Memorials preferred to family. Mueller-Bies 651-487-2550
