Cheyenne Buss

Lovingly resilient, Cheyenne Buss possessed enough moxie within her energizing spirit to make quite a difference in the world around her. From meager beginnings, she forged ahead with strength and determination, equipped with certain courage known well before her time. In the end, with her beloved partner and family by her side, there was little Cheyenne couldn't accomplish. A remarkable woman in many ways, she will be deeply missed.

Cheyenne's story began during a time of mixed blessings. With prohibition in full swing, big city gangsters infiltrated the smallest of communities while families enjoyed the debut of Amos and Andy. Prosperity and the infamous Roaring 20s gave way to hard economic times when the stock market crash cast a shadow among all. Born in Shawano, Wisconsin on June 16, 1929 at the height of the Great Depression, Cheyenne June was the daughter of Robert and Hildegard Thompson. Many inquired about her unique name, but she never tired telling the treasured tale about how her rodeo riding father loved the western city of Cheyenne, and so begins the story of, "our" Cheyenne.

The firstborn daughter, Cheyenne learned early on the meaning of hard work and dedication. From her very beginning, times were difficult. She later welcomed younger brother, Bobby, and as a family they did their best, even while traveling through the dust bowls to California in search of a promising future. Realizing the state of Wisconsin held their hearts, they returned east, eventually settling in Appleton. In time their family grew by two with the addition of Cheyenne's sister, Shirlee, and kid brother, Jimmy. She was affectionately known as “Toots” by her sister.

Springtime brought the excitement of the Bodart Shows back to the area for the carnival season. Cheyenne, a third generation “carnie”, was literally lulled to sleep on the ferris wheel as a youngster. In time she grew into a strong willed yet hardworking young woman. Confident in her initiative and gumption, her father entrusted Cheyenne with her own "pitch 'til you win game". In the business, it was running your own “joint”, and she faithfully placed all her profits into the family living fund. All of 18, little did Cheyenne know how that summer in 1947 would forever change her life. While hard at work hauling her own tent at their many stops, a handsome, red haired fellow was admiring her every move.

Cheyenne fell deeply in love with Robert “Red” Buss when he joined the show in Shawano. Following their short but sweet courtship, they were happily married on April 17, 1948 in Appleton. The birth of their daughter, Kay Mary convinced them to end their carnival days. They ran a grocery store, but after two years they moved to Racine in 1950 where they made a place to call their own. In time they were blessed with the arrival of their second daughter, Eva Linn.

Bob and Cheyenne worked side-by-side in all they did. With determination, she never hesitated when it came to swinging a hammer or plumbing a wall. The construction of their first house on Ohio Street signified the inception of their joint venture, R.J. Buss Builders. With Bob as president and Cheyenne as vice-president/secretary, they had the fortitude to succeed. As a team they built residential and commercial properties throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Cheyenne paved the way as an invincible "working mom". Her daughter's knew it all along as they witnessed their parent's hard work ethic and while conducting business from their home offices.

With every achievement Bob made in the building industry and through his philanthropic endeavors, Cheyenne was sure to be close by. When he made a speech, she wrote it, and if Bob was flipping pancakes for a good cause, Cheyenne was there pouring the coffee. She supported her husband in business, enjoyed hunting with him out west and went on goose hunts in the Horicon Marsh with her daughter Eva while traveling in their motor home.

Cheyenne had many talents. She was skilled at bowling and in the mid 50s and 60s her name appeared several times in print, listed as a top kegler at several local lanes and as a member of the Shoop Park Ladies. She tried golf, even landing a hole-in-one, but she hung up her clubs because after all, there were "homes to be built while the weather was good!". Among other things, there was much that brought Cheyenne joy. She and her daughters made memorable trips to see Broadway musicals and anticipated the release of new movie musicals.

Bob and Cheyenne enjoyed building and spending time at their cottage on Anderson Lake. They also traveled in their motor home with family, and were especially fond of trips to Manitoba visiting good friends. Business friends most often became close friends with great times shared. Above all, family was at the very heart of Cheyenne. As a family they began each day together over breakfast and dinner was held until Bob walked in the door. Their home away from home, in later years she cherished visits to Eva’s in Green Bay.

When it came to grandchildren, Bob and Cheyenne could not get enough of their one and only, Tiffany. Their granddaughter, she was their "little love”, and the feeling was mutual. Tiffany even faked being sick from school just to be with them and in the end, it was she who stayed by their side as their personal nurse. Cheyenne’s true joy was having her own “commune” of sorts on Spring Street. Tiffany, Josh and their family lived next door and Cheyenne reveled in their daily dose of love. She also cherished living vicariously through her lovely, red-haired and talented great-granddaughter, Peyton. She attended her many dance recitals and on most weekends you could find Cheyenne being the loudest cheerleader at the numerous soccer games of Peyton and her curly haired great grandson Logan. She even got the joy of attending a dance competition for Peyton this year.

Among the many remarkable things Cheyenne Buss accomplished, her vivacious spirit and tenacious courage shone bright at a time when most women were simply content at home. Her devotion to her husband was a wonderful example and her love of family spoke volumes of her character. Her business savvy and determination to succeed alone was remarkable in and of itself. Cheyenne also taught about the importance of unconditional love for family and friends.

A woman who longed to be with her beloved husband who went on before her, Cheyenne didn’t stop until her work here was done. On Friday, May 27, 2011, just three months, nineteen days and five hours following the passing of “the love of her life”, Cheyenne June Buss, at the age of 81, drew her last breath surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home. Although she has rejoined her husband of 62 years, she leaves behind numerous memories and treasured traditions to be carried on for generations for come.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Kay (Paul) Dawson and Eva Buss; her special next door neighbor and loving granddaughter, Tiffany "Tiffer" and “grandson”, Joshua "Josher" Baumstark; their children and her much loved great-grandchildren, Logan and Peyton; affectionately known as "Toots" to her sister, Shirlee (Michael) Driskel, and baby brother, Jimmy Thompson. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert Thompson and sister, Mae Krueger. She will be sadly missed by her Buss sisters and brother; and of course, the “outlaw” brothers and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; Pat and Debbie Dashnier of Green Bay who graciously joined their second family to ease our loved one to eternal life and countless friends who were treasured throughout the years.

Funeral services for Cheyenne will be held Saturday, June 4, 2011, 10:00 AM at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 3350 LaSalle Street. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet her family Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street (262) 634-7888 from 5-8 PM and Saturday at the church from 9:00 AM until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Hospice Alliance.

Cheyenne's family expresses deep, heartfelt thanks to the entire team of Hospice Alliance and the spiritual guidance of Pastor H. Kamps and Pastor Gary Ruckman. For truly caring, they also thank to Dr. Michael Mullane. Cheyenne’s final journey would never have been the same without each of you. To leave a favorite memory, submit a photo or to sign her online guest book, please visit www.meredithfuneralhome.com.