Jerome J. Bushman, of Bonita Springs, Florida, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Gulf Coast Medical Center, Fort Myers, Florida.
Jerry was born on June 29, 1942, in Wausau, the son of John and Sadie (Grzywacz) Bushman.
Jerry was united in marriage to Barbara Kostka on July 7, 1963, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church in Bevent.
Jerry was a devout Catholic who was a member of St. Joseph, Galloway, St. Ladislaus, Bevent, and St. John the Evangelist, Naples, Florida. His spirituality was strengthened during his high school years at St. Bonaventure Seminary and Pacelli High School. He was a fourth degree member of the Catholic Knights of Columbus as well as a member of the parish’s men’s society.
Jerry was passionate about higher education, supporting and encouraging his children, grandchildren and others in their academic pursuits, endowing scholarships at Notre Dame, Marquette and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
He eventually earned his own Ph.D.
Jerry loved his family above all else. He reveled in the opportunity to be with his children and grandchildren as they grew up, supporting them by being their biggest cheerleader in school, sports, work and life. Jerry had a great sense of humor and was always laughing with friends. He and Barb loved to travel, golf, socialize with friends and play cards.
He had a lifelong passion for the potato industry in which he made his livelihood. He started in the family potato business in 1961. Forming the produce marketing firms of Bushmans’ Inc. and J-B Marketing Inc. in 1974. Growing Bushmans’ Inc into one of the premier fresh potato shippers in the United States was one of his proudest achievements. As he grew the marketing businesses, he started A&W Farms and Potato World Packaging in the late 1970s with industry friends.
He served on many potato industry boards at both state and national levels, including the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association and the United States Potato Board. Jerry also used his entrepreneurial skills and keen financial knowledge to expand into the banking industry. Ultimately becoming involved with several community banks, particularly First Southeast Bank, located in rural Minnesota, serving the agricultural industry in that area, once again bringing Jerry’s love for the farmer into full view.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his children, Derrick (Tammy) Bushman, Bevent, Mitchell (Dawne) Bushman, Bevent, and Tia (Paul) Go, Plymouth, Minnesota; grandchildren, Nicolas (Stephanie) Bushman, Taylor Bushman, Madison Bushman, Maverick Bushman (fiancé Nina Galang), Lauren Bushman and Raphaela Go. He was joyfully awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild.
He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Robert Bushman (Janet Harder), Elaine (Gene) Damato, Margaret (Dale) Hegewald, Cynthia (Donald) Aanonsen and Jonathon (Sandra) Bushman; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sadie Bushman.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. The Rev. Augustine Bentil will officiate. Entombment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 28, at the church from 4-7 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m. with an Elks ritual prior to the Mass at 11 a.m.
Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
To honor Jerry, the Bushman family suggest memorials to St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway, or both.
Jerome J. Bushman
