David R. Buss

David R. Buss of Horseshoe Bay, TX, passed away at the age of 86 on July 11, 2024 in the loving presence of his family. David was born in Marshfield, WI, to the late George and Evelyn (Blum) Buss. He graduated from Marshfield High School in 1956, where he excelled in athletics, lettering in Baseball, Basketball, and Football, later being inducted into the Marshfield Athletic Hall of Fame. David was a scholarship athlete on the Florida State University varsity baseball team and was a percussionist in the Florida State University Marching Band. A star outfielder, the summer of 1959 he played Minor League Baseball based in Estherville, IA. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire in Education and later received his Masters in Physical Education from Winona State College.

Coach Buss was hired by the legendary Vince Lombardi in 1968 to be the founder and first head coach of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix Men’s Basketball program (UWGB). He spent 13 years at UWGB where his record as the winningest coach in school history still stands. Highlights of David's career include being among a select few coaches in collegiate history to coach at the NAIA, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division I levels at the same school. From 1977-81 the UWGB Phoenix played in three NCAA Division II Final Fours. In 1979, Coach Buss was selected by the National Association of Basketball Coaches as Division II Coach of the Year. Coach Buss' success at UWGB was honored by being inducted into the UWGB Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995, and into the Wisconsin State Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.

David's coaching career further included time as an Assistant Coach at UNLV under Jerry Tarkanian, as Head Coach at California State University-Long Beach, and as the Olympic Coach of the Qatar National Team. Coach Buss retired after 7 seasons as head basketball coach at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. Highlighted, by the program’s first MIAC title in 59 years.

David is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth (Page) Buss; his daughter, Debra (Buss) Cox, and her husband, Dr. Ralph F. Cox, Jr., of Colleyville, TX; and his son, David L. Buss, and his wife, Catherine Buss, of Downers Grove, IL He is also survived by 5 grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; his brother, Bruce Buss, and his wife, Kathleen, of Cottage Grove, WI; and 5 nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Buss, of Lenoir, NC.

In retirement Dave and Ruth settled in Horseshoe Bay where they enjoyed golfing and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of David’s life will be held from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on August 9, 2024, at Hansen

- Schilling Funeral Home in Marshfield, WI. A private service will be held at Hillside Cemetery where David will lie in rest with the Buss - Blum families.

Those wishing to express their sympathy are encouraged to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

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