Kenneth Eugene "Kenny" Buss

KALIDA - Kenneth Eugene "Kenny" Buss, 72, of Kalida, Ohio, went to see the Lord at 6 p.m. on August 1, 2025, at the Meadows of Kalida, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lima on June 13, 1953, to Joe and Mildred (Stechschulte) Buss (both deceased), Kenny graduated from Kalida High School in 1971 and married his high‑school sweetheart and lifelong love, Sandy Brinkman, on November 18, 1972. For nearly half a century he worked at BF Goodrich in Woodburn, IN, retiring after 48½ years. He farmed alongside his dad and siblings from a young age and later bought part of the family farm, happily tending fields and harvesting crops until very recent years.

Kenny cherished time outdoors including hunting, trapping, and fishing with his brother Dave and his sons, as well as camping trips that included time around the campfire with family. A true craftsman, he could fix whatever was broken and design whatever was needed, and he never hesitated to lend a hand when someone called. Coaching Little League and Pony League was one of his great passions—he spent 25 years on the ballfields, helping the kids become great athletes.  He also was an unwavering fan of the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Browns. Kenny was a member of Kalida St. Michael's Church and Holy Name and a third‑degree Knight of Columbus. His dedication to youth sports was recognized with the Putnam County Pony League Sportsmanship Award and the Gene Stechschulte award in recognition of positive contributions and continued support to the youth of Kalida.

Family meant everything to Kenny. He is survived by Sandy and their sons Dr. Jim Buss (Dr. Leanne Wood) of Muncie, IN; Kevin Buss of Provincetown, MA; and Charlie Buss (Tonya Knippen) of Ottoville, OH. He loved being a big kid with his four grandchildren—Jonah, Annabelle and Magdalynn Buss, and Joey Busswood—and they loved him right back. He doted on his four‑legged companions too: long walks through Kalida with his dog Buddy were a daily delight, complete with stops at the Dairy Queen or carryout for a Dr Pepper, candy bar and ice cream, while Buddy received his own treat. After their outings, Kenny and Buddy would rest in a back pew at church so he could pray with his faithful friend by his side. He also had a cat, Smokie, who kept him company at home.

Kenny is survived by sisters, Dorothy (Ron) Kerner, Edie (Denny) Carroll, Norma (Denny) Vorst and Barb (Duane) Steffan; brothers Bob (Joyce) Buss and Dave (Shirley) Buss; and in‑laws Marie Buss, Sam Decker and Jo Buss. He was preceded in death by brothers, Larry Buss and Roger Buss; sister Eileen (Buss) Decker; parents‑in‑law Bob and JoAnn Brinkman; brother‑ and sister‑in‑law Luke and Janice Stechschulte; and his beloved Jack Russell, Ella.

Kenny's funeral mass will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with Father Phil Smith officiating.  The burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and again on Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.  There will be a scripture service at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In the meantime, think of Kenny whenever you enjoy a Dr. Pepper on a sunny day or cheer on the Tigers—he would have loved that.

Donations may be made to Sandy for charities that were close to Kenny's heart.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Donations may be made to Sandy for charities that were close to Kenny's heart.