Anita Margaret was born on November 4, 1933, to the parents of Joseph and Bernadine (Lucas) Link. She was the second youngest of eight children. Mitzie (a nick name given by her father) spent her childhood years in Jordan, MN, where she loved to attend her brothers sporting events. Attending St. John the Baptist Catholic School through the eighth grade, Mitzie later graduated from Jordan High School.
While working at Continental Machines in Savage, Mitzie met the love of her life, Wilmar (Wimp) Busse. On February 14, 1953 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church parsonage they exchanged wedding vows. Mitzie and Wimp were blessed with four children, Ken, Tom, Cindy and Dan. Living in Burnsville most of their life, they later retired to their lake home in Danbury, WI, where they spent many precious years together. Mitzie’s life changed when Wimp passed on March 17, 2005.
A life of service to the Lord and her family, Mitzie was a devoted wife and a loving mother. Her family always came first. She enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, canning and making apple pie. In her free time, Mitzie loved to play flume, volunteer at church, travel and spend time with her friends at Lakefront Plaza in Prior Lake.
Enjoying the interaction of people, Mitzie was a waitress, a daycare provider and a cook for the school. In her later years, Mitzie served lunches to the seniors twice a week at the Northland Community Center. A member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and Cozy Corners Snowmobile Club, she was also a treasurer for the Lake Association and an active member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Funeral Committee.
A funny, loving, caring and a genuine wife, mother and grandmother, Mitzie, age 78, passed peacefully in the presence of her family in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at her home in Prior Lake, MN.
Forever loved, Anita will be deeply missed by her loving children, Tom (Cindy) Busse of Burnsville, Cindy (Tim) Lois of Burlington, WI, Dan (Denise) Busse of Burlington, WI; grandchildren, Jenni (Andrew) Luu, Mike Busse, Marcus Lois, Kevin Lois, Mitchell Lois; brother, Larry (Marlene) Link of Shakopee; brother-in-law, John Oden of Fridley; sisters-in-laws, Lorraine Link of Shakopee, Carol Pumper of Shakopee, Helen Link of Shakopee; many other loving relatives and friends.
Mitzie is preceded in death by her husband, Wilmar; son, Kenneth Busse; parents; brothers, Donald, Joseph Jr. Cletus; sisters, Evelyn (Vince) Kanuit, Dorothy Oden, and Lavina Drakeim.
Pall bearers for Mitzie will be Mike Busse, Marcus Lois, Kevin Lois, Mitchell Lois, Jim Thorsfeldt and Dave Thorsfeldt.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 21from 4-7 p.m., at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service at church on Sunday. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Sunday, January 22 at 2 p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 5634 Luther Road, Prior Lake. Pastor John P. Vaughn will officiate. Mitzie will be laid to rest next to her husband and son at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Prior Lake.
