Go to main contentsGo to search barGo to main menu
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:31 AM

Mary Jane Buschelman

Mary Jane Buschelman

Mary Jane Buschelman

FORDYCE — Mary Jane (Gilson) Buschelman, 95, died peacefully at the home of her daughter Jan. 9, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Jan. 14, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Fordyce, with the Rev. Marcus Knecht officiating.

Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Fordyce. Pallbearers will be John Buschelman, Chris Buschelman, Kyle Buschelman, Trent Kielty, Travis Kielty and David Suing. Visitation and a vigil service were Tuesday, at church, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m., and will continue at the church one hour prior to services.

Arrangements are under the directions of Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Mary was born Nov. 25, 1930, in Crofton, to Charles and Ruth (Knapp) Gilson. She was the youngest of four children. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mary Jane was raised in Crofton and upon her graduation from Crofton High School, she married Cletus Anthony Buschelman May 24, 1950, in Crofton. The couple settled in Fordyce, where they raised their four children. Mary remained in Fordyce for most of her life. In 2011, she moved to Yankton, S.D., to live with her youngest daughter and sonin- law.

Mary had several jobs outside of the home. In 1960, she began working at Gurney Seed and Nursery, Yankton, as a seasonal employee. During her early years of employment she supplemented her income by keeping financial records for the Village of Fordyce. When promoted to full-time employment at Gurney’s, Mary Jane recruited numerous area high school students to work under her in the mail department. From there, in 1976, she became employed at the South Dakota Human Services Center, where she managed and dispersed residents’ funds, and subsequently retired in 1992.

Mary Jane belonged to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Guild and a lifetime member of Christian Mothers. She was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post #791 Ladies Auxiliary.

She found deep fulfillment in raising her children and treasuring moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved socializing anytime with family and friends, especially on holidays and other family celebrations. She found joy in putting puzzles together, collecting spoons, and watching endless hours of Hallmark movies. She had a love for travel and a great sense of humor —0nce riding home in a wheelbarrow. She is best known for asking “Are we having any fun yet?” and stating “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!”

Mary Jane is survived by her loving children Patricia (Gary) Suing, Kearney; Barry (Cheryl) Buschelman, North Liberty, Iowa; Kari Lee (Mark) Kielty, Yankton, S.D.; daughter-in-law, Vickie Buschelman, Bellevue; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her spirited and cheerful demeanor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cletus Buschelman; her son, Terrance Buschelman; her parents; two sisters, Eileen Davidson, Frances Burkett; and her brother, Richard Gilson.

Download our app!
App Download Buttons
Google Play StoreApple App Store
Read Cedar County News e-Edition
Cedar County News
Read Laurel Advocate e-Edition
Laurel Advocate
Read The Randolph Times e-Edition
The Randolph Times