Gregor R. "Greg" Buss passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born February 7, 1946, in Evanston, to Gregor and Dolores nee Erbach Buss.  

Greg’s story of love began at a teen club dance, where he met the woman who would become his lifelong partner, Rosemary Warren. From that first meeting, the two built a beautiful life together, sharing 62 years of marriage, raising two wonderful daughters, Laurie and Donna and creating a family filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

For 62 years, Greg was a proud member of IBEW Local 134, dedicating himself to his work and the trade he knew so well. But perhaps his greatest pride was found in his family. He absolutely adored his grandchildren, and some of his favorite memories were made in the quiet hours of the morning, heading out at 4 a.m. to fish with Rosemary and the grandchildren. Those early mornings, surrounded by the people he loved most, were the kind of moments Greg treasured.

Greg also made many wonderful memories with his JPC friends in the motorcycle club and served as president for a year. He also had a tremendous soft spot for animals, particularly the beagles rescued from the Ridglan Farms laboratory in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. Once he learned about these dogs and their story, he became completely smitten. In Greg’s mind, the obvious solution was to adopt them all. Rose, however, lovingly put her foot down. Greg may not have gotten to bring every beagle home, but his compassion for them said a great deal about the kind of man he was someone with a big heart who never stopped caring.

Greg was a man who found great joy in being involved, giving back, and most of all supporting the people he loved. He was especially proud of his family and took great pride in watching his grandchildren pursue their own passions. That pride was never more evident than in his years with TJV Racing, his grandson Tony's racing team, where Greg served as crew chief and head mechanic. What began with the #11 go-karts eventually grew into the “00” Mini Cups, and Greg was there every step of the way, turning wrenches, offering advice, and cheering from the sidelines. One of his proudest moments came when the team traveled to Lafferty Motorsports in North Carolina for a chance to try out for the NASCAR Truck Series a memory Greg treasured.

His love of helping young people extended well beyond the racetrack. When his daughters attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, Greg stepped up as a grade-school football coach, sharing his time, knowledge, and encouragement with his players. Years later, when his granddaughter attended St. Mary’s, he once again volunteered his time, this time helping with the school’s robotics team. Greg was particularly proud of his granddaughter Amy, whom he lovingly considered his “smart granddaughter.” Watching her become a scholar at Loyola University was a tremendous source of pride for him, and he loved her dearly.

Greg was also a man who enjoyed belonging to his community and taking on a challenge. Through the Knights of Columbus Newman Council, he rose through the ranks to become Grand Knight, earning the affectionate nickname “Grand Puba.” He also proudly graduated from the Citizens Academy of Buffalo Grove.

Whether he was standing beside a race car with a wrench in his hand, coaching kids on a football field, helping students build robots, supporting his grandchildren, or serving his community, Greg had a way of making himself useful to the people around him. He gave his time generously, took tremendous pride in those he loved, and was happiest when he could be part of something and especially when he could cheer on his family.

Devoted husband for 62 years of Rose nee Warren. Loving father of Laurie (Todd Morden) Velez, Donna Rupsis. Cherished grandfather of Tony James (Kayla Oslakovich) Velez, and Amy Anita Rupsis. Caring brother of the late Dolores McDonald, Irene (the late Bruce) Hanson, the late Saran (Charlie) Thorne-Hauser, Mary Andreotta, and Edgar (Kimberly) Buss. Fond brother-in-law of the late Lourdes (the late Ed) Goetz, and the late Robert (Betsy) Warren. Good friends of Tom & Nancy Buttny and Trish & Dave Ewing. Kind uncle, cousin, and friend to many. 

Visitation will be 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Avenue (2 Blocks South of Dundee Road) Wheeling, IL. Visitation will resume Saturday, 10 a.m. at the funeral home and then to process for the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 10 North Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Buffalo Grove, IL.

In lieu of flowers Greg's family suggests memorial to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter at https://orphansofthestorm.org/donate/. 

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