Richard L. Busch, age 82, passed away from a long and hard fight with cancer, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at home. Richard was born on November 6, 1943, to LaVerne and Hedwig (Eppenberger) Busch at the St. Clare Hospital, Monroe, WI. Richard graduated from grade school at Postville Country School and then was a 1961 graduate of The New Glarus High School, New Glarus, WI. Following high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965 and worked in NORAD while in Northern Michigan and later at the regional combat center in California. 

He also was employed as a Communications Consultant for Western California Telephone Company until 1968, when he returned to Wisconsin. In 1968, he joined the Monroe Police Department and served as a Patrol Officer, Investigator, Police Captain and Chief of Police, for several years. Richard retired from the Monroe Police Department in 1995. He attended UW Platteville majoring in Criminal Justice. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1974. Richard was loved by the community and respected as an outstanding Chief of Police. Following his retirement, he was employed for 10 years with Construction Business Group in Madison, until his final retirement. Richard and Susan Dieckhoff were married on July 8, 1973. They both enjoyed the friends they made and the community and area of Monroe, WI. After his retirement they moved to Janesville, WI and were currently living between Janesville and Beloit, WI. They gained so many new friends in their retirement years and kept in touch with long-time friends as well.

 Survivors include his wife, Susan; daughter, Angela Busch of Janesville; son, Rick Busch of Monroe; and brother, Jerry (Joan) Busch of New Glarus. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathleen; and five loving fur babies, Buffy, Sabre, Lakota, Kiowa and Lakya. Oh how he loved them all. A Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, 21 S. Austin Rd, Janesville. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. A committal service and full military honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1825 N. Washington St., Janesville. Memorials may be made to the Rock County Sheriff K9 Unit or the Janesville Police Department K9 in lieu of other expressions of sympathy. For on-line condolences: www.apfelwolfe.com Honorary Pallbearers: All retired and current members of the Monroe Police Department, Monroe, WI. Your Service with dignity and honor have always been an important source of pride in my life. "A very special thank you to Jim Wolfe and all of the staff at Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, Agrace Hospice Care, Mercy Health System, and our friends and family for all of your love and support".