Mary Jane Buschelman

Mary Jane (Gilson) Buschelman, age 95, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter on Friday, January 9, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fordyce, NE with the Rev. Marcus Knecht officiating. Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Fordyce. Visitation will be on Tuesday, at church, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the directions of Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

She was born on November 25, 1930 in Crofton, NE to Charles and Ruth (Knapp) Gilson. Mary Jane 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 on May 24, 1950 in Crofton. The couple settled in Fordyce, NE where they raised their four children. Mary remained in Fordyce for most of her life. In 2011, she moved to Yankton, SD to live with her youngest daughter and son-in-law.

Mary had several jobs outside of the home. In 1960, she began working at Gurney Seed and Nursery in Yankton, SD, 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, she became employed at the South Dakota Human Services Center in 1976, 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—once 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 of Kearney, NE; Barry (Cheryl) Buschelman of North Liberty, IA; Kari Lee (Mark) Kielty of Yankton, SD; daughter-in-law, Vickie Buschelman of Bellevue, NE; 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 Glison.