Donald L. Buss, 81, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, December 8, 2009 in Owatonna. He was born March 23, 1928 in Ravenna, Nebraska the son of Rutherford and Millie (Hanisch) Buss. Moved from Ravenna, NE to Claremont in 1941, where he graduated from high school in 1945. Don worked on the railroad his junior and senior years of high school until his eighteenth birthday when he joined the U.S. Navy. Following the Navy he worked at Von Ruden Mfg. from 1950-1954. He bought and piloted a Cessna 140 from 1954 to 1956. August 28, 1955 he married Ila Grotenhuis in Albert Lea. Don joined First Bank system in 1954 and worked there until his retirement in 1984. The last five years of his employment were managing the Cedar Mall Banking center. In retirement he managed the finances for widows and elderly, treasurer for the Salvation Army for thirty-five years, charter member of the Kiwanis Club and its treasurer for many years, Elder at Associated Church, director of United Way for twenty-five years, a Mason for over forty years and a member of the Owatonna Shrine Club and the V.F.W. Don's hobbies were golf, gardening, and watching sports. Don's greatest investment was his children and grandchildren. His favorite activity was to play with his grandchildren and attend many of their events. He is survived by his wife Ila Buss of Owatonna, daughters, Marcia (and Jim) Hand of Owatonna, Marilee (Terry) Zalewski of Holmen, WI, son, Mark (and Melinda) Buss of Marshall, grandchildren, Jennifer (Jayson) Teichroew, Jesse Buss, Spencer Buss, Scott Buss, Patrick Zalewski, Anne Zalewski. Don is also survived by three brothers Birchard Buss of Owatonna, Earl (Bernice) Buss of Plymouth, and Allen (Betty) Buss of Claremont. Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Eleanor Buss, and brother Warren Buss. Visitation will be at The Associated Church on Friday December 11, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorial service will be held Friday December 11, 2009 at 11:00 AM at The Associated Church with Dr. Ronald D. Wilson officiating. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery with honors provided by the Steele Co. Military Funeral Unit. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Associated Church, Salvation Army, or the Golden K Kiwanis. Visitation: 12/11/2009 10:00 12/11/2009 11:00 Service: 12/11/2009 11:00